Effect of Biodeterioration on Modeling Parameters of Code-Compliant Cross-Laminated Timber Lateral Connections

The effect of biodeterioration on the structural connection performance of timber for conventional framing and mass timber has been investigated recently, but there is a need for additional data as well as for the development of analytical models to utilize these data. An empirical material model (seismic analysis of wood frame shear walls) was fitted to cyclic connection test data of four species of cross-laminated timber at different levels of biodeterioration by two brown-rot fungi. These model inputs were then analyzed to account for trends between wood species and fungal species. Weak trends were most prominent for initial stiffness, intercept load, and displacement at peak force. Correlations were poor with postyield and postpeak stiffness modifiers. These relationships were consistent both as a function of time and as a function of mass loss, but additional data are needed to more accurately predict the effects. The limited relationships likely reflect the variations in fungal decay across the test members.
One of the most used materials in the shift to mass timber construction has been cross-laminated timber (CLT). Substantial research has gone into structural characterization and design with CLT, ranging [...]