Abstract
The use of cross-laminated timber panels (CLT) made of low-grade structural timber has steadily increased in developing countries. These panels usually present several natural defects, which can cause a high local variation of their orthotropic elastic properties, generating future structural serviceability problems. Our work aims to estimate the local variability of the elastic properties in low-grade CLT panels by combining nondestructive transverse vibration testing, numerical simulations, and regional sensitivity analysis (RSA). Four three-layer Radiata pine CLT panels were subjected to transverse vibration tests with supports at four points. Besides, a series of numerical simulations of the panels, considering the local variability of the elastic properties of the panels in eight zones, were carried out using the finite element method. Then, RSA analysis was performed to study in which ranges of values the panels’ elastic properties generated lower differences between the measured versus simulated dynamic properties. Finally, a structural quality control indicator was proposed for the CLT panels based on keeping low the probability that the elastic properties in the central zones do not exceed minimum acceptable values. The results obtained suggest that the proposed methodology is suitable for segregating CLT panels with high concentrations of defects such as pith presence.
Highlights
The construction of buildings with cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels has increased steadily in recent years
CLT panels are being used in developing countries with extensive planted forest areas to meet their sustainable construction goals
Social housing is one of the most promising applications for these CLT panels due to the substantial housing deficit in these countries. These housing projects have relevant budgetary restrictions, which implies that low structural quality timber is often used to manufacture CLT panels
Summary
The construction of buildings with cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels has increased steadily in recent years. These panels generally have an odd number of layers formed by bonding timber boards in orthogonal directions. Social housing is one of the most promising applications for these CLT panels due to the substantial housing deficit in these countries. These housing projects have relevant budgetary restrictions, which implies that low structural quality timber is often used to manufacture CLT panels
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