Numerical modeling strategies and parametric analyses of platform-type and balloon-type cross-laminated timber (CLT) shear walls under lateral loads

Abstract

Despite great contributions having been made on the topic of numerical modeling methods for cross-laminated timber (CLT) shear walls under lateral loads, it is still challenging to simulate the nonlinear wall behavior with both computational efficiency and modeling accuracy. In this paper, a series of novel modeling strategies are developed, aiming to provide a potential solution to this challenge. The modeling strategies involve the revised version of a uniaxial hysteretic model for dowel-type timber joints, physical and phenomenological modeling methods for typical CLT connections (i.e., hold-down and angle bracket connections), and a fiber-section-based modeling method for CLT shear walls. The modeling strategies were validated by existing experimental data, and the modeling results showed that the proposed fiber-section-based model is capable of simulating the lateral performance of both platform-type and balloon-type CLT shear walls with sufficient accuracy while maintaining desirable computational efficiency. The fiber-section-based model was then used to conduct parametric studies, investigating the influence of construction methods, wall aspect ratios, connection stiffness, and vertical load magnitudes on the lateral performance of CLT shear walls. The studies showed that the initial stiffness and ductility ratio of balloon-type CLT shear walls were 39.1–47.1% and 13.7–19.4% larger than the platform-type ones, while the ultimate capacity was less affected by construction methods. Slenderer CLT shear walls had lower ultimate capacities and initial stiffnesses, as well as smaller ductility ratios. Stiffer hold-down connections contributed to larger initial stiffness but resulted in the CLT shear wall failing in a less ductile manner. The vertical load had positive impacts on the ultimate capacity, initial stiffness, and ductility ratio of CLT shear walls, although the effect on the ultimate capacity was quite limited.