Rolling shear strength and stiffness of CLT elements made with Marupá wood “Simarouba amara”

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the rolling shear strength (f_rs) and stiffness (G_rs) of cross-laminated timber (CLT) elements produced with Brazilian native Marupá wood (Simarouba amara). Therefore, numerical and experimental approaches were used, and an analytical equation was developed for three-layer panels of equal thickness for the determination of the shear stiffness (G_rs) of the transverse layers of three-layer panels with equal thickness through bending tests. During the experimental phase, shear tests were conducted on two specimen models (vertical and inclined), and bending tests were performed on beams and panels. The numerical modelling was based on the finite element method, and the ABAQUS software was used to evaluate the tested samples. The rolling shear stiffness (G_rs) was two to six times higher, while the strength (f_rs) was two to three times. The developed analytical equation was suitable for determining the rolling shear stiffness (G_rs) through bending tests. The numerical modeling revealed that the failure primarily occurred in the central layer of the CLT samples due to the shear stresses concentration, with contributions from normal compression (for shear) and tensile stresses (for bending). The inclined shear test method was the most appropriate for determining the rolling shear properties.

Keywords:
Mass Timber; Timber Structures; Engineered Wood