SHEAR FORCE CAPACITY OF CROSS LAMINATED TIMBER BEAMS – NUMERICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF FRACTURE BEHAVIOUR

This paper deals with numerical investigations of cross laminated timber (CLT) beams. Previous investigations have revealed discrepancies between experimental test results and suggested design methods regarding shear force capacity of such beams. To gain further understanding of the failure behaviour and the shear force capacity, nonlinear finite element analyses have been performed, using a cohesive zone modelling approach for representation of the fracture behaviour of the bonding between laminations. Numerical results, analytical model predictions and findings from experimental tests are compared regarding the influence of different beam geometry parameters. The aim of the present work is to gain further understanding of the failure behaviour and shear force capacity of CLT beams, as such knowledge is needed for development of rationally based and reliable design methods.