A two-story full-scale CLT platform-type building of 4.5 m x 9.1 m in plan, with a height of 5.04 m, was tested under quasi-static monotonic and cyclic loading. The main objectives were to evaluate the global response of the structure, the performance of the shear walls, the behaviour of the connectors (hold-downs and angle brackets) and the frequency response of the structure during the tests. Lateral loads were applied on the storeys inducing torsion to the building. Loading procedure, number and disposition of connectors varied between tests. However, it is important to note that, in order to avoid a possible overlap of effects, the metal connectors hold-downs and angle-brackets only have been placed in CLT shear walls in each loading direction. In terms of performance, longitudinal direction presented a stiffer behaviour when compared to the transverse, where it was possible to verify greater sliding in the longitudinal direction and global rocking in the transverse direction. The results of this experimental campaign will be used for further analytical and numerical analyses, in order to help to implement more detailed seismic analysis, namely pushover, of CLT constructions.

A two storey full-scale model of a CLT house, of 4.5 m x 9.1 m in-plane, with a height of 5.04 m, was tested under quasi-static monotonic (pushover). The main objectives were to investigate the 3-D system performance of a CLT structure subjected to lateral loads in terms of lateral strength and deformability capacity, global behaviour of the structure, frequency response of the structure, performance of connectors (mainly hold-downs and angle-brackets) and connections between CLT panels. Lateral loads have been applied on the storeys inducing torsion to the building. Loading procedure, number and disposition of connectors varied between tests. With this campaign it is intended to obtain results on: i) load-deformation response of a 3-D CLT structure subjected to lateral loads; ii) global response of the structure, focusing on the performance of CLT slabs subjected to in-plane loads, performance of parallel and perpendicular walls, and response of the structure near openings; iii) failure mechanisms and on the performance of connections between CLT panels and connectors. The outcomes of the full-scale CLT house tests will be used for further analytical and numerical analyses to help implement the new generation of Eurocode 8.

This paper presents the development of two new types of hybrid cross-laminated timber plates (HCLTP) with an aim to improve structural performance of existing cross-laminated timber plates (Xlam or CLT). The first type are Xlam plates with glued timber ribs and the second type are Xlam plates with a concrete topping. A numerical optimisation was performed to study optimal plate setups in terms of ultimate limit state and serviceability limit state requirements. The numerical outcomes served as input for defining the specimens for experimental tests on subassemblies and full-scale specimens. The new elements in general show improved structural performance with less material used. Experimental and numerical investigations serve as essential information for further extensive parametric studies of hybrid cross-laminated timer plates and development of design models and principles for implementation in the building codes.