Short answer

When designing with cross-laminated timber, account for the synergistic effect of rolling shear and tension perpendicular to grain stresses to ensure structural integrity.

Field
Final Production
Source
cIRcle (University of British Columbia) (2015)
Method
Experimental and Analytical Modelling
Evidence
Strong effect

The failure of cross-laminated timber (CLT) under load is not solely due to rolling shear stress, but rather a combination of rolling shear and tension perpendicular to the grain. This final production research insight is drawn from a 2015 study published in cIRcle (University of British Columbia). Using Experimental and analytical modelling, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing with cross-laminated timber, account for the synergistic effect of rolling shear and tension perpendicular to grain stresses to ensure structural integrity.

Study
Final ProductionHigh ImpactStrong effect

Rolling Shear Failure in Cross-Laminated Timber is a Combined Stress Phenomenon

The failure of cross-laminated timber (CLT) under load is not solely due to rolling shear stress, but rather a combination of rolling shear and tension perpendicular to the grain.

cIRcle (University of British Columbia) · 2015

01

Key Findings

  • 01Tension perpendicular to grain stress, in conjunction with rolling shear stress, contributes to cross-layer failure in CLT.
  • 02Experimental results validated the analytical models, showing failure modes consistent with combined stress effects.
02

Application

Design takeaway

When designing with cross-laminated timber, account for the synergistic effect of rolling shear and tension perpendicular to grain stresses to ensure structural integrity.

How to apply

In structural design calculations for CLT, incorporate models that account for both rolling shear and perpendicular-to-grain tensile stresses. Evaluate manufacturing parameters like clamping pressure for their impact on material performance.

Project actions

  • 01When testing materials, consider using high-speed cameras to capture rapid failure events.
  • 02Combine analytical modelling with physical testing to validate findings and understand complex failure mechanisms.
03

Method & Evidence

AimTo investigate and characterize the failure mechanisms of cross-laminated timber (CLT) under load, specifically focusing on the contribution of rolling shear and tension perpendicular to grain stresses.
MethodExperimental and Analytical Modelling
ProcedureFinite element analysis was used to model stresses within CLT cross-layers, identifying potential failure modes. Experimental testing of 5-layer CLT panels under bending was conducted, with high-speed cameras used to record failure initiation. The influence of loading rate and manufacturing clamping pressure was also investigated.
ContextConstruction materials and structural engineering

Variables

IV["Loading conditions (e.g., bending)","Rate of loading","Manufacturing clamping pressure"]
DV["Failure mechanism (rolling shear, tension perpendicular to grain, combined)","Load at failure"]
CV["CLT panel construction (e.g., 5-layer)","Wood species (implied)","Specimen dimensions"]
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Combines analytical modelling with experimental validation.
  • +Utilizes high-speed imaging to capture failure events.

Limitations

The specific type and thickness of CLT used in the study might not apply to all CLT products. The environmental conditions during testing were not extensively varied.

Reliability & validity

The use of analytical models alongside experimental testing enhances the validity of the findings. Reliability would depend on the consistency of the CLT material and the precision of the testing equipment.

Think critically

How might variations in wood species, adhesive type, or panel layup affect the dominance of rolling shear versus tension perpendicular to grain in CLT failure?

05

Design Principles

"Structural components should be designed to withstand the combined stresses predicted by their intended use, rather than relying on single-mode failure analysis."

Understanding the combined stress failure mechanism is crucial for accurate structural design and material selection in mass timber construction. This insight allows for more robust engineering of CLT panels, preventing premature failure and ensuring the long-term performance and safety of buildings.

06

What This Means for Your Design

When wood panels are glued together to make strong building materials (like CLT), they can break in a way that's a mix of sliding and pulling apart. Designers need to think about both ways of breaking to make sure buildings are safe.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Use this research to justify the investigation of combined stress failure modes in your own material testing or design analysis.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research demonstrates that the failure mechanism of cross-laminated timber (CLT) is a complex interaction, specifically identifying that rolling shear failure is often accompanied by tension perpendicular to grain stress. This combined stress phenomenon is critical for understanding the material's performance limits and ensuring structural safety in design applications.

09

Source

cIRcle (University of British Columbia)

Failure mechanism of rolling shear failure in cross-laminated timber

journal · 2015

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about rolling shear failure in cross-laminated timber is a combined stress phenomenon?
When designing with cross-laminated timber, account for the synergistic effect of rolling shear and tension perpendicular to grain stresses to ensure structural integrity. Evidence: cIRcle (University of British Columbia) (2015).
Why does "Rolling Shear Failure in Cross-Laminated Timber is a Combined Stress Phenomenon" matter for design?
Understanding the combined stress failure mechanism is crucial for accurate structural design and material selection in mass timber construction. This insight allows for more robust engineering of CLT panels, preventing premature failure and ensuring the long-term performance and safety of buildings.
How can designers apply this research?
When designing with cross-laminated timber, account for the synergistic effect of rolling shear and tension perpendicular to grain stresses to ensure structural integrity.
What were the main findings?
Tension perpendicular to grain stress, in conjunction with rolling shear stress, contributes to cross-layer failure in CLT.. Experimental results validated the analytical models, showing failure modes consistent with combined stress effects.
What research method was used?
Experimental and Analytical Modelling.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2015 journal from cIRcle (University of British Columbia).
What should I do differently in my next project?
In structural design calculations for CLT, incorporate models that account for both rolling shear and perpendicular-to-grain tensile stresses. Evaluate manufacturing parameters like clamping pressure for their impact on material performance.
What are the limitations?
The study focused on specific CLT panel configurations and testing conditions, which may not be representative of all applications.