Performance of mass timber connections under simulated seismic and wind rates of loading: An experimental study

This paper presents the effects of simulated seismic and wind loading rates on the performance of mass timber connections. This study focuses on peak resistance as the primary performance parameter, which is associated with the duration-of-load (DOL) factors. T-tests were performed to evaluate whether the differences in peak resistance between specimens subjected to higher versus regular loading rates were statistically significant. Experimental work included monotonic tests and reversed cyclic tests on typical connections that were used in mass timber structures, namely spline joints, hold-down connections, angle brackets, and glued laminated timber (Glulam)-to-Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) diaphragm connections. For each configuration, two density-matched groups of specimens were tested: one under a regular rate of loading, failing within 2–10 min, and the other under a higher rate of loading, simulating seismic and wind conditions, with failure occurring within 1–10 s. Under higher loading rates, the average peak resistance increased by 6 %–10 % for spline joints and by 9 %–19 % for Glulam-to-CLT connections. In contrast, no increase was recorded for hold-down connections or angle brackets. Importantly, test observations confirmed that higher loading rates did not alter the failure modes of the connections. These findings highlight the significance of accounting for loading-rate effects in the design and evaluation of mass timber connections under seismic and wind loading conditions. • The effect of simulated seismic and wind loading rates on mass timber connections was experimentally investigated. • Monotonic and reversed cyclic tests were conducted to evaluate connection performance under different loading rates. • At higher loading rates, average peak resistance increased by 6 %–10 % for spline joints and 9 %–19 % for Glulam-to-CLT connections.