Enhancing Punching Resistance of Cross-Laminated Timber Panels with Glued-In Steel Plate Reinforcements

This paper proposes an innovative solution for reinforcing cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels against punching effects using a glued-in steel plate. The steel column head is shaped as a six-pointed star, inserted into grooves in the CLT panel, and bonded with a two-component epoxy adhesive. A numerical model was developed to verify the potential reinforcing behaviour of the connector. The model was based on boundary conditions representing the set-up of a future experiment. This reinforcement reduces shear stress in the critical circumference and shifts it away from the support, thereby improving the punching resistance. Preliminary analysis suggests a possible 22% punching resistance increase.