Sustainable Cross-Laminated Timber Structures in a Seismic Area: Overview and Future Trends

Abstract

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) buildings are recognized as a robust alternative to heavyweight constructions, because beneficial for seismic resistance and environmental sustainability, more than other construction materials. The lightness of material and the satisfactory dissipative response of the mechanical connections provide an excellent seismic response to multi-story CLT buildings, in spite of permanent damage to timber panels in the connection zones. Basically, CLT constructions are highly sustainable structures from extraction of raw material, to manufacturing process, up to usage, disposal and recycling. With respect to other constructions, the potential of CLT buildings is that their environmental sustainability in the phases of disposal and/or recycling can be further enhanced if the seismic damage in structural timber components is reduced or nullified. This paper reports a state-of-the art overview on seismic performance and sustainability aspects of CLT buildings in seismic prone regions. Technological issues and modelling approaches for traditional CLT buildings currently proposed in literature are discussed, focusing the attention on some research advancements and future trends devoted to enhance seismic performance and environmental sustainability of CLT buildings in seismic prone regions.

Verification of the behaviour factors proposed in the second generation of Eurocode 8 for cross‐laminated timber buildings

“…Despite CLT structures having gained high popularity in the market of low-tomidrise buildings in several countries, 7 no design provisions are provided in the current version of Eurocode 8 for such structural type. General and detailed rules for the seismic design of CLT buildings have been drafted according to the investigations carried out in the past years [53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61] giving specific attention to the role of the joint of the walls to the foundation that should be made by means of 2D-or 3D-connectors (e.g. hold-downs, angle brackets, etc.)…”

Nonlinear SDOF Analytical Model of Mass-Timber Building with Post-Tensioned Rocking Walls

“…Furthermore, the plasticization of the connector causes the local plasticization of the timber bres, determining an evident reduction of the structural capacity after the event [6]. Among engineered-wood solutions, cross-laminated timber (CLT) is growing as a practical, constructive choice in seismic prone areas, especially in tall timber buildings [7]. Compared to light-frame buildings, CLT structures have high in-plane stiffness and a signi cant load-carrying capacity; The main features of CLT building depend on the physical parameters of the timber panels and the mechanical properties of the connections used (hold-downs and angle brackets, more robust and stiffer than the connectors used in lightweight structures) [8][9][10].…”

Use of Engineered Wood for the Retrofitting of Existing Structures

“…The dissipative characteristics of these structures made with this technology are investigated by several authors [36]- [38]. Also, the dissipative effects due to the insertion of rocking elements inside existing structures [39]- [43], or the presence of metal connections for reinforcement interventions in its plane with CLT panels [44] or off-plan [45] are investigated. There is a common trend in the in field research groups that investigate the possible use of this elements for exoskeletons or endoskeletons on existing masonry buildings [46], [47].…”