Track 1: Mass Timber Panel (MTP) Lateral Load Resisting System (LLRS)

Track 1 investigates the use of mass timber panels as lateral load resisting systems (LLRS) in balloon frame construction.

Project T1-1: Seismic design approach for MTP balloon construction - Connection properties

The objective of this research is to characterize of load-deformation responses of tested connections(stiffness, strength, ductility, energy dissipation, failure modes) by testing large STS connections with steel side plates under monotonic and cyclic loads.

HQP (PDF): Jan Niederwestberg (2018.04-)

Project T1-2: Analytical modeling of lateral strength and stiffness of inclined self-tapping screw connection

The objective of this research is to develop models for predicting lateral strength and stiffness of connections containing inclined self-tapping screws, by considering the contribution of the withdrawal and yield properties of the screws and embedment properties of the connecting members.

HQP (MSc): Ruihan Zhao (2017.09-)

Project T1-3: Load distribution in inclined self-tapping screw connections with steel side plates

The objective of this research is to develop a model to predict the distribution of loads within connections with multiple self-tapping screw fasteners and steel side plates, and use this model to predict the strength and stiffness of multiple-inclined self-tapping screw connections. These results would facilitate the design of large scale connections with long rows of self-tapping screw fasteners, such as may be used for mass timber shear wall connections or splice joints for long-span timber beams.

HQP (PhD): Tom Joyce (2017.09-)

Project T1-4: Seismic design approach for MTP balloon construction - System performance

The objective of this research is to develop advanced design procedures and seismic force modification factors for MTP balloon construction by utilizing connection data from other projects and testing tall wall specimens with various combinations of connection characteristics.

HQP (PhD): To be recruited (2018.09-)

Project T1-5: Mechanical properties of MTP - In-plane bending and shear properties of MTP

The objective of this research is to develop test methods to measure in-plane bending and shear properties of MTP, including CLT, GLT and SCL as well to develop models to predict bending and shear properties of CLT and GLT based on component (lumber) properties.

HQP (MSc): Mehsam Tanzim Khan (2018.05-)

Project T1-6: Mechanical properties of MTP - Performance of MTP column subjected to combined bending and compression

The objective of this research is refine the bending and compression interaction equation for CLT, and possibly other MTP.

HQP (PhD&Prof): Visiting team (2017.11-)