Flexural Performance of Mechanically Laminated Timber Panels Under Concentrated Forces
摘要
Current design provisions for Mechanically Laminated Timber (MLT) panels are limited and were derived for uniformly distributed loads along the panel length or line-loads applied across the panel width. The objective of this study is to investigate the flexural behaviour of MLT panels under concentrated loading through the development of a numerical model. Experimental testing was conducted to support the development of the model and provide representative inputs, including quasi-static four-point stud bending tests and component-level tests on connection joints. Various loading configurations, connection detailing, as well as use of sheathing, were investigated. Load sharing between laminations in MLT panels occurred as a function of the inter-lamination joint stiffness and the number of loaded laminations. Greater load sharing in MLT panels resulted in improved flexural performance and the simultaneous loading of multiple laminations increased the likelihood of exhibiting post-peak capacity following the failure of individual laminations. Additionally, appropriate fastener-to-wood strength ratios led to ductile behaviour in the panels, through the yielding of the lamination joints, whilst effectively distributing the applied load to adjacent laminations.