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Connections play a vital role in the transfer of lateral forces and energy dissipation in cross-laminated timber (CLT) structural systems. However, moisture exposure (e.g., rain during or after construction) can affect the durability of CLT structural members and their connections due to the hygroscopic nature of wood. Limited knowledge exists on the moisture performance of CLT connections. Therefore, in this study, a CLT shear wall-to-diaphragm angle bracket connection was exposed to simulated rain and relative humidity cycling (wetting) and subsequent redrying followed by mechanical loading cyclic testing. Four wood species (Douglas-fir, southern pine, Norway spruce, and spruce-pine-fir) and three wetting durations were applied to understand the effect of moisture intrusion on the connection performance, which was evaluated in terms of strength, stiffness, and energy dissipation. Two force–displacement backbone models were fitted to the experimental data. The results suggest a statistically significant increase (9%–15% for different species) in the peak strength and no change in the stiffness and energy dissipation capacity after the wetting and redrying cycles. However, additional studies should be conducted to gain further insight into the observed increase in load-carrying capacity. Additionally, the authors caution against considering any strength increase until further studies are conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood-based composites (WBCs) are engineered wood products that are commonly used in the building and furniture industries. Most research on their durability has relied on internal bond testing, bending strength properties, or damage observations. An alternative property with potentially more information is fracture toughness. Here, fracture toughness was continuously measured during crack propagation for three different composites—oriented strand board (OSB), medium density fiberboard (MDF), and particleboard (PB). The resulting plots for fracture toughness as a function of crack growth are known as the material's R curve. To assess the role of temperature on WBC durability, R curve experiments were repeated at 10 different temperatures from 20 to 200 °C. Trends in experimental results could be described by a trilinear model. OSB and MDF toughness initially increased with temperature and then decreased above 80 °C. The toughness of PB, which was made with a different resin, remained constant or decreased slightly until decreasing faster above 140 °C. Both the resin type and composite structure affected the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is an engineered wood product offering several advantages for wood utilization in midrise and tall buildings. However, moisture intrusion poses significant risks since it can affect the durability of CLT structural members and their connections. There has been much research on connection performance to understand their seismic response. However, the impact of moisture on the performance of CLT connectors is less understood. Cyclic tests were conducted on a series of CLT shear wall-to-diaphragm L-bracket (angle bracket) connections after subjecting them to a wetting and redrying cycle. The study includes three exposure durations and four wood species (Douglas fir, Southern yellow pine, Norway spruce, and spruce-pine-fir) to investigate the effect of moisture exposure on the connection performance. The performance was characterized in terms of strength, stiffness, and energy dissipation. In addition, two existing engineering force-displacement models were fitted to the experimental data. Results indicate that the changes due to wetting and redrying cycling were not statistically significant for the load-carrying capacity and stiffness. In contrast, a statistically significant decrease in the total energy dissipation capacity was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapidly growing interest in using structural timber, a need exists to inspect and assess these structures using non-destructive testing (NDT). This review article summarizes NDT methods for wood inspection. After an overview of the most important NDT methods currently used, a detailed review of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Ultrasonic Testing (UST) is presented. These two techniques can be applied in situ and produce useful visual representations for quantitative assessments and damage detection. With its commercial availability and portability, GPR can help rapidly identify critical features such as moisture, voids, and metal connectors in wood structures. UST, which effectively detects deep cracks, delaminations, and variations in ultrasonic wave velocity related to moisture content, complements GPR's capabilities. The non-destructive nature of both techniques preserves the structural integrity of timber, enabling thorough assessments without compromising integrity and durability. Techniques such as the Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique (SAFT) and Total Focusing Method (TFM) allow for reconstructing images that an inspector can readily interpret for quantitative assessment. The development of new sensors, instruments, and analysis techniques has continued to improve the application of GPR and UST on wood. However, due to the hon-homogeneous anisotropic properties of this complex material, challenges remain to quantify defects and characterize inclusions reliably and accurately. By integrating advanced imaging algorithms that consider the material's complex properties, combining measurements with simulations, and employing machine learning techniques, the implementation and application of GPR and UST imaging and damage detection for wood structures can be further advanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the use of cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels for building construction has increased over the last several decades, current standards and existing literature provide limited information regarding the design of CLT diaphragms or the prediction of their deflections when subjected to wind and strong earthquake motions. This paper presents the design and assessment of a CLT diaphragm that was part of a full-scale two-story structure subjected to shake-table testing. An analytical model is proposed for diaphragm deflection accounting for in-plane shear and bending stiffness, as well as the stiffness of various connections. Moreover, a refined numerical modeling strategy is proposed in order to consider phenomena such as panel-to-panel gap closure. Results indicate that the analytical model yields conservative results both in terms of deflections and forces when compared to the numerical model that simulates similar sources of strength and stiffness. The analytical model is suitable for the design of symmetric diaphragms with regular shapes, whereas the numerical model can also be used to model asymmetric diaphragms with irregular shapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mass timber construction has seen a growing interest in North America and worldwide. In the US, code provisions allow mass timber buildings to be up to 82 m tall, but with floor slabs requiring a noncombustible, usually cementitious, topping over mass timber panels (MTPs). Designing the MTP and concrete topping to act compositely can increase the strength and stiffness compared to noncomposite MTP floors. Several connections are available to create composite action between an MTP and a concrete topping, with self-tapping screws being the most widely considered practice. A new test fixture and testing method were developed to characterize connection properties and facilitate the selection of fasteners most suitable for developing composite action. Three conventional self-tapping screws were experimentally investigated at the single-fastener scale. The screws were subjected to withdrawal at 90° and 45° orientations to the interface plane between the MTP and concrete. Withdrawal from both the MTP substrate and concrete topping was investigated. Three MTP materials were tested: cross-laminated timber (CLT) consisting of two different wood species and a mass ply panel (MPP). Results demonstrated that the pullout failure of the screwhead from the concrete was the limiting failure mode. Comparisons were made between the experimental results and analytical models for screw withdrawal to assess the applicability of available models to the different MTPs. These models underestimated the capacity of the tested fasteners for all samples except for the fully threaded screws. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited research exists on the deformation compatibility behavior of mass timber beam-to-column connections. Therefore, to investigate this behavior, large-scale experimental monotonic testing was performed on five different glue-laminated (glulam) beam-to-column connections. The purpose of this research was to create a better fundamental understanding of the deformation compatibility behavior of mass timber beam-to-column connections. Three connections were custom-designed connections, and two were pre-engineered connections. Specimens included the presence of cross-laminated timber (CLT) decking on the beam, as well as combined lateral and gravity loading. Monotonic tests pushed specimens to a target story drift of 7.2% at a rate of 0.51 mm/s. The data were analyzed, and the yield force, yield displacement, initial stiffness, secant stiffness, and connection classification (categorized as either rigid, semirigid, or flexible) were calculated for each connection. Per the connection classification methodology used, all connections were classified as flexible (simple) connections. However, the pre-engineered connections use substantially more screws and plates thereby increasing the cost and effort of installation. The results demonstrate that in some cases simple custom connections can have a larger yield force and initial stiffness than pre-engineered connections, and due to the reduction in number of screws, there was less damage within the connection at the completion of the test. The forces required to push connections to 2% drift all exceeded the lateral force capacity of the connections; however, all connections maintained load-carrying capacity throughout testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New building code changes enable mass timber panels (MTP), including cross-laminated timber (CLT), to be used in moderate and tall buildings as a floor system, usually with a concrete topping. A floor system of CLT composite with a reinforced concrete topping slab can provide increased stiffness and strength, making the system more advantageous. Present connection methods used to produce composite action within timber-concrete composites (TCC) have limitations when considering constructability or performance. This study presents experimental results from four (4) shear connectors for CLT-concrete composite floor systems, including three developed for this study. The connectors included self-tapping screws (STS) at 45-degrees, a modified lag screw with an integral plate washer that bears on the CLT surface at installation, a steel angle anchored only at the end of the span, and an inverted-T steel section with stem perforations. Different tests were performed on the different connectors including individual fastener tests, push-off group tests, and full-scale one-way bending tests. The push-off group tests showed that the proposed washer-screw exhibited higher stiffness and strength than a conventional STS. The full-scale one-way bending testing showed that the STS specimen exhibited the lowest strength of the alternatives. The inverted-T section exhibited the highest stiffness, while the other three connections had similar stiffness to the STS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deformation compatibility behavior of glue-laminated (glulam) beam-to-column connections is not yet well understood. To investigate this behavior, 10 specimens representing five different glulam beam-to-column connections were tested under lateral cyclic loading. Three of the connections were custom-designed connections and two were pre-engineered connections. Specimens were large-scale glulam beam-to-column connections, and testing included combined gravity and lateral loading as well as the presence of a cross-laminated timber (CLT) deck. Connection characteristics such as yield force, initial stiffness, secant stiffness, and energy dissipation were calculated and compared across connections as well as observations made during testing. Results from the experimental testing indicated that pre-engineered connections demonstrated overall better performance than the custom connections. Pre-engineered connections had the largest remaining secant stiffness by the end of the loading protocol, greater energy dissipation, and larger average yield forces than the custom connections. Although all connections tested exceeded their lateral design capacities at drift levels less than 2% drift, all connections maintained load-carrying capacity throughout testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mass ply panel (MPP) is a new mass timber product that was recently introduced for structural applications in buildings. Although there have been several studies on characterizing the mechanical properties and structural performance of MPP, there is a lack of understanding regarding in-plane shear properties of the panels. More intensive studies should be done for MPP to provide a comprehensive understanding of its behavior. This paper presents an experimental study to characterize the effective in-plane shear modulus and shear strength of MPP in the major strength direction of the panel. Two experiments, including multiple span-length center-point bending tests and a novel large-scale shear test, were conducted. The test results were presented and compared with previous studies and the manufacturer's product report. The new test proposed for shear strength characterization has the potential to be an industry standard for mass timber panels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last several decades, there has been significant growth in research and development activities in nanomaterials. Nanotech has been used to improve the quality of several materials, including wood and polymer composites, for their application in various fields. Nanofillers, including metal particles, nano oxides, pyrogenic silica, and carbon black, have been employed as polymer additives. However, the value of natural, low-cost, and plentiful clay materials such as nanoclay becomes more apparent as environmental regulations and consumer awareness become more rigorous. This literature outlines the role of nanoclay on polymer composites, especially in the case of thermosetting resins, including epoxy, polyester, urea-formaldehyde, and phenol-formaldehyde resins. The current article is intended to provide a comprehensive source of recent studies and literature on nanoclay as filler, its classification, polymer modification processes using nanoclay, and comparing the performance of different thermosetting polymers based on their fabrication methods through physical and mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decade, cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels have gained popularity worldwide. To achieve larger spans and to increase the resistance to diaphragm seismic and wind forces to be transferred through CLT floor or roof systems, CLT-concrete composite (CCC) floors have been developed as an alternative. While significant testing has been performed under gravity loading, limited experimental data exist on the in-plane performance of CCC systems. This study presents results from an experimental program designed to characterize the in-plane shear behavior of CCC diaphragm connections using different CLT to concrete screw connector orientations in a test setup that simulates the expected seismic load path in diaphragms for platform-type construction. Tested variables include concrete slab thickness, composite screw angle, and single spline connection systems consisting of nails or screws. Experimental results and observed damage progression from cyclic testing are presented and discussed. Results indicate that CCC systems achieved increased stiffness and strength values when compared to bare-CLT systems, but slab thickness did not influence the strength and stiffness of the system for the load paths simulated. Additionally, CCC floor systems with 45° composite screw connectors displayed increased strength but overall similar stiffness values when compared to the CCC systems with 90° composite screws. The results provide useful engineering parameters, such as elastic stiffness, peak load, displacement capacity, and ductility ratios that can be used in the development of codified design parameters or in performance-based designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mass plywood panel (MPP) is a veneer-based engineered wood product that recently was introduced in the mass-timber construction industry. Preliminary studies show that MPPs can be a preferred construction material for shear walls, floor diaphragms, and roof assemblies. However, no design guide exists regarding the use of MPPs as structural elements. This is compounded by a lack of engineering properties and parameters needed beyond the generic values provided in the product report. To assess the engineering properties and provide a benchmark dataset, a comprehensive experimental testing program characterized the performance of MPPs in flexure, in-plane shear (parallel to major strength direction), compression, and tension. Additionally, the characteristic values of MPPs were derived based on the test results to provide an initial indication of design values of MPPs. The test results presented in this study provide a fundamental basis for the development of a design guide for MPPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timber–concrete composite (TCC) floors exposed to fire experience charring and thermal degradation of timber, leading to a reduction in load-carrying capacity. Finite element (FE) modeling supplements data from experimental fire testing and allows for fast and economical investigation of additional design parameters. This research presents fire test results of three large-scale TCC floor specimens and development of an FE modeling methodology for TCC floors in a fire. TCC floors constructed with nail-laminated timber, cross-laminated timber, or mass ply panel, with truss plates or angled screws as shear connectors, are loaded with a uniformly distributed service-level live load and exposed to the ASTM E119-20 standard fire curve. A 2D FE modeling methodology is presented and benchmarked against the test data. The methodology integrates sequentially coupled thermal-structural analyses, which make use of temperature-dependent thermal and mechanical properties of timber and concrete. The deflection and failure times of the FE models are benchmarked against test data. Connector forces from FE models show that shear connectors remain elastic throughout the fire exposure. FE results indicate that the load-carrying capacity is dependent on tensile stress redistribution to the uncharred timber section. The FE modeling methodology effectively calculates the mechanical and fire behavior of TCC floors and highlights limits of the applicability of analytical design methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Because of the mechanical properties of aluminium (Al), an accurate prediction of its properties has been challenging. Researchers are seeking reliable models for predicting the mechanical strength of Al alloys owing to the continuous emergence of new Al alloys and their applications. There has been widespread use of empirical and statistical models for the prediction of different mechanical properties of Al and Al alloy, such as linear and nonlinear regression. Nevertheless, the development of these models requires laborious experimental work, and they may not produce accurate results depending on the relationship between the Al properties, mix of other compositions and curing conditions. Design/methodology/approach: Numerous machine learning (ML) models have been proposed as alternative approaches for predicting the strengths of Al and its alloys. The hardness of Al alloys has been predicted by implementing various ML algorithms, such as linear regression, ridge regression, lasso regression and artificial neural network (ANN). This investigation critically analysed and discussed the application and performance of models generated by linear regression, ridge regression, lasso regression and ANN algorithms using different mechanical properties as training parameters. Findings: Considering the definition of the problem, linear regression has been found to be the most suitable algorithm in predicting the hardness values of AA7XXX alloys as the model generated by it best fits the data set. Originality/value: The work presented in this paper is original and not submitted anywhere else. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Humans are accidental hosts in the zoonotic disease Scrub typhus. The disease though widespread in our county, it remains grossly underdiagnosed because of its non-septic clinical manifestations and lack of access to specific laboratory facilities. Aims and Objectives: The objective of present study is to evaluate the clinical presentations of Scrub Typhus among the study group. Furthermore, to assess the various laboratory findings in Scrub Typhus cases among the study group is the other objective of this study. Materials and Methods: The present study is an Institution-based, observational, and cross-sectional study conducted for 18 months with the admitted patients having 14-70 years of age. Data collected regarding patients' demographic profile, symptoms, clinical findings, laboratory, and radiological findings. Data had been summarized as mean and standard deviation for numerical variables and count and percentages for categorical variables. Results: In our study, we found that most of the patients were 14-20 years old and female population was higher. It was found that 34.3% of patients had Eschar, 42.9% of patients had Rash, and 91.4% of patients had Pallor, 8.6% of patients had Ascites, 25.7% had Edema, 8.6% of patients had Jaundice, 11.4% had shock, and 57.1% had pneumonia/pneumonitis. The present study showed that 65.7% of patients had drug response (Doxycycline). Conclusion: Knowledge of geographical distribution, evidence of exposure to vector, clinical features such as fever, rash, eschar, headache, and myalgia along with high index of suspicion are crucial factors for early diagnosis and that helps in timely treatment of the cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prediction of pulp yield of Eucalyptus globulus wood samples based on partial least squares (PLS) regression can be optimized by utilizing specific near infrared (NIR) wavelengths. A critical feature of this approach is the weighting of constraint conditions. Equal weighting balances optimization in terms of calibration and prediction; however, there is a lack of knowledge regarding prediction performance of wood property models when different weight factors are used. In this study, pulp yield models were developed using two E. globulus data sets characterized by narrow (5%) and extreme (22.6%) yield ranges and represented by untreated and second derivative NIR spectra. The global optimization solver pySOT was used to optimize the performance of a PLS regression model in terms of wavelengths selected and number of latent variables. A linear function of R-squares for calibration ( R c 2 ) and prediction ( R p 2 ) sets was utilized as the objective function with the aim of maximizing α R c 2 + 1 - α R p 2 for all values of α between 0 (maximizing R p 2 without concern for R c 2 ) and 1 (only maximizing R c 2 ). Values of α ≤ 0.8 provided good predictive performance, whereas α ≥ 0.9 tended to overfit the calibration data indicating that models are robust for values of α from 0 to 0.8. Representative wavelengths for each data set were identified and assigned to corresponding wood components through a band assignment process. Strong agreement was observed for α ≤ 0.8 ; however, for α ≥ 0.9 , identified wavelengths generally occurred in regions unrelated to vibrations arising from specific wood components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Near-infrared wavelengths selected by genetic algorithm were used to optimize partial least squares (PLS) regression models for loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) from the southeastern United States. Wood properties examined included density (D), microfibril angle, modulus of elasticity and tracheid coarseness (C), radial diameter (R), tangential diameter (T), and wall thickness (w)—measured by SilviScan. The optimization process was run for each property with Agenda 2020 samples utilized for PLS model development and the other sets used for prediction. The number of variables (i.e. wavelengths) varied from 10 to 100 with an optimum number identified by genetic algorithm. When compared to a full data set model (based on 700 wavelengths), calibration and prediction performance of optimized PLS regression models were superior for all properties. Importantly, representative wavelengths for each property were consistently related to recognized bond vibrations observed in specific wood components demonstrating that optimization targets wavelengths directly related to changes in wood chemistry within the examined loblolly pine samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology used in structural engineering does not consider hazards like fires within its scope. Various efforts have been made to identify research gaps that need to be filled in order to accomplish a Fire-LCA. This study presented research gaps from literature to experts to determine the research gap's impact, desirability, and probability of occurrence by the year 2030. The study provides insight into what researchers should prioritize to accomplish the proposed Fire-LCA methodology. In each round the experts were asked to evaluate and comment on the impact, desirability, and probability of occurrence by the year 2030 of each identified research gap. The results of the Delphi questionnaire identified high priority research gaps for the implementation of the proposed Fire-LCA methodology. The most prioritized research gap was statistical data that would describe the number and severity of fires, fire origin, and extent of fire spread in different types of building. The results of this study can guide researchers and funding agencies to prioritize research that will fill key gaps in knowledge that prevent the implementation of a Fire-LCA methodology for building structures. • Gaps in knowledge exist and prevent the implementation of a Fire-LCA methodology for buildings. • Statistical data and reporting of real building fires is needed for the implementation of a Fire-LCA methodology. • Experts across the world do not agree on research priorities to fill gaps in knowledge needed to implement a Fire-LCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkali treated (5 wt. % alkali was used on the total weight of the alkali solution and the treatment time was 2 h) discontinuous cellulosic fiber (jute and sisal were used as cellulosic fibers and 35 wt. % filler content was incorporated) reinforced chemically modified ZrO2 (ZrO2 was used as 10 wt. % of total filler content. In this context, it is worthwhile to mention that when both fillers were used, the fiber content was taken in the weight ratio of 1:1.) dispersed hybrid unsaturated polyester composites were fabricated by a compression molding technique. The mechanical behavior of the fabricated composites was evaluated at the sub-micron scale by nanoindentation (indentation with an applied load on the composites surface at the nano-metric range) or depth-sensing instrumented indentation technique. The significant effect of incorporation of the dispersing phases within the unsaturated polyester matrix with respect to mechanical properties at microstructural length scale was observed. A marked improvement in the nanoindentation-derived parameters viz., nanohardness, reduced modulus, elastic recovery, and indentation creep was observed which may be attributed due to the influence of fillers inclusion within the unsaturated polyester matrix. An extensive effort was laid to analyze the dynamic mechanical properties using the sinus indentation mode associated with nanoindentation measurements to further correlate the influence of fillers addition with the indentation-derived parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Evaluated effects of two brown rot fungi (Gloeophyllum trabeum and Rhodonia placenta) on performance of laterally loaded connections. • T-shaped connection assemblies modelling floor-to-wall connections in buildings were inoculated with fungi for up to 40 weeks. • Evaluated capacity, stiffness, energy dissipation, and ductility of connection assemblies through quasi-static cyclic connection tests. • Load carrying capacity and energy dissipating capacity were the most adversely affected of all the parameters evaluated. The effects of brown rot decay fungi on mechanical properties of CLT connection assemblies were investigated. CLT connections evaluated were assembled with code approved angle bracket connectors and modelled as floor-to-wall systems in mass timber buildings. Physical changes, mass loss and quasi-static cyclic tests were used to assess the performance of connection assemblies up to 40 weeks after fungal inoculation. Peak load, stiffness, energy dissipation and ductility of connections were characterized based on force–displacement data generated from the destructive test of connections. Assemblies experienced up to 57 % loss in load carrying capacity and 90 % loss in energy dissipating capacity of the connections after 40 weeks of fungal exposure. Connection stiffness was only slightly impacted over this period but wetting and redrying caused significant degradation of connection ductility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Tension tests of glued-in steel rods embedded in mass-ply panels are reported. • A two-step adhesive application process for glued-in steel rods is tested. • Monotonic and cyclic testing show no significant difference in tension capacity. • Elastic stiffness does not change with embedment depth under monotonic loads. • Further testing is required for conclusions on elastic stiffness under cyclic loads. The length of mass timber wall panels is a limiting factor in designing taller buildings. Splice designs are needed to maintain panel transportability while transferring shear and moment forces from higher floors to the foundation under lateral loading. One such splice design utilizes structural adhesive to glue threaded steel rods into the ends of wall panels being connected. This paper reports tests of the tension capacity of glued-in rods embedded in Mass Ply Panels (MPP). Twenty glued-in rods were tested under monotonic and cyclic protocols. Embedment depths ranged between 304.8 mm (12 in.) and 812.8 mm (32 in.). Load and displacement were measured during tests to report values per ISO 6891 and an international code council acceptance criteria document. Elastic stiffness, peak capacity, design capacity, and a predictive capacity equation were determined. Results showed a similar stiffness for all embedment depths and a negligible difference between peak capacities from monotonic and cyclic testing. While the data reported is only directly applicable for analysis of the specific MPP and epoxy combination used in the test program, the methodology herein can be utilized for future testing of timber-adhesive glued-in rods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]