Evaluation and approximation of timber connection properties for displacement-based analysis of CLT wall systems

Aiming a comprehensive analysis of laterally loaded cross laminated timber (CLT) wall systems, the present thesis discusses two core topics. Initially, due to their major influence, the evaluation and approximation of timber connection properties are spotted. In particular, basing on an extensive discussion of already available methods, alternatives for determining the initial stiffness and ductility of timber joints are proposed. Furthermore, a capable displacement-based approach, able to approximate the entire course of even complex load-displacement relationships, is developed.
Subsequently, the focus is set on CLT wall systems. Besides a brief summary of currently applied calculation models, a new displacement-based method for predicting the load-displacement behaviour of wall diaphragms is proposed. In order to consider the nonlinear behaviour of connections, the afore-developed continuous function is used. The actual quality of the suggested wall model is verified by experimental results gathered from full scale wall tests, conducted at three independent research facilities. The positive outcome of this validation process consequently permits the use of the proposed model for a comprehensive parameter study.
Within the last part of the present thesis it is examined how several factors as, e.g., the wall length, vertical joints, different connections or the vertical load may affect the behaviour of CLT wall systems. Moreover, different approaches for determining the lateral load distribution on CLT wall diaphragms within one floor are discussed.