In-plane testing and hysteretic modeling of steel-spline cross-laminated timber diaphragm connection with self-tapping screws

Abstract

This study examines experimentally and numerically the in-plane behavior of a steel-spline Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) connection with self-tapping screws. Although this connection is a strong, rapid, and cost-effective alternative suitable for CLT diaphragms of tall timber-concrete buildings, no previous cyclic/monotonic testing has been documented. Two specimens were tested under axial and in-plane shear loads, where a ductile failure mode was observed due to bending and withdrawal of screws, and deformation and buckling of the strap. Mechanic properties, such as strength capacity, stiffness, ductility, energy dissipation, equivalent viscous damping, stiffness/strength degradation, and damage index characterize the joint. Furthermore, the yield point and ductility were calculated with the EEEP, CEN, and Yasumura-Kawai methods, the last approach most accurate, with a mean ductility of 7.25 and 5.50 for the axial and in-plane shear tests, respectively. Overstrength factors of about 2.6 and 1.9 were also estimated for respective tests by comparing analytical expressions from timber codes and literature. Finally, three numerical models (SAWS, DowelType, and ASPID) were assessed to measure their epistemic uncertainty, showing an adequate force and dissipated energy history simulation, with a normalized root mean square less than 8.8% and 4.5%, and R(2 )over 87% and 97%, respectively. {GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT}