Mechanical performance of CLT wall-to-floor joints with T connector

ObjectiveCLT (cross-laminated timber), compared with the traditional structural engineered wood products, is featured for its good quality which makes it possible for modern wooden buildings to break through the height limitation. However, the strength of the joint part cannot effectively utilized the capacity of CLT strength. In order to provide a scientific basis for the application of T connector in CLT building, this paper made a study of the shear performance of the T connector, and then compared it with the angle bracket used for the wall-to-floor joints.

MethodBoth the T connector specimens and the angle bracket were tested under the monotonic loading. Based on the characteristic analysis method, peak load, initial stiffness, ductility coefficient and energy dissipation were calculated and analyzed.

ResultCompared with the traditional angle bracket, T connector showed a lower damage degree of metal and a higher damage degree of wood part. The peak load, initial stiffness and energy dissipation of T connector increased by 142.5%, 125.0% and 132.6%, respectively, while the ductility coefficient decreased by 33.2%. When the diameter of the bolts increased from 10 to 12 mm, the peak load, initial stiffness, ductility coefficient and energy dissipation of T connector increased by 13.2%, 13.7%, 16.2% and 14.8%, respectively.

ConclusionThe test results indicate that T connector can resist higher shear strength in the wall-to-floor joints. The mechanical propoerty of T connector is superior to angle bracket. With the increment of the diameter of bolts, it would appropriately lead to a higher mechanical performance.