Diaphragm shear and diagonal compression testing of cross-laminated timber

To learn the characteristics of a cross-laminated timber (CLT) panel, it is crucial to perform experimental tests. This study presents two experimental test methods to measure the in-plane shear modulus of CLT panels. This characteristic can be measured by multiple methods such as the picture frame test, the diagonal compression test, and the diaphragm shear test. In this study, the same CLT panels are tested and evaluated in the diaphragm shear test and the diagonal compression test to see if more reliable results can be achieved from the diaphragm shear test. This evaluation is done by experimental tests and finite element simulations. The theoretical pure shear simulation is used as a reference case. Finite element simulations are made for both edge glued and non-edge glued CLT panels. Nine CLT panels are tested in the diaphragm shear test and the diagonal compression test. During ideal conditions (uniform material properties and contact conditions), all three simulated methods result in an almost equal shear modulus. During the experimental testing, the diagonal compression test gives more coherent results with the expected shear modulus based on finite element simulations. Based on the diaphragm shear test results, the CLT panels behave like edge glued, but this situation is dismissed. However, during ideal conditions, the diaphragm shear test is seen as a more reliable method due to the higher proportion of shear in the measured area. Article Highlights Comparing the two experimental methods: the diaphragm shear test and the diagonal compression test. Using the theoretical pure shear simulations to verify the experimental methods. Experimental testing and finite element analysis of the same cross-laminated timber panel.