The effect of the lamella pitch in the transverse layer on the deformability and stress distribution in a three-layer CLT panel modeled as a composite plate

Cross-laminated timber (CLT panel) and its structures are interesting for engineers and scientists due to its low installation weight, ease of fabrication, high strength and durability. However, many aspects remain under-researched. In particular, the issue of changes in deformability and bearing capacity of slabs under different variations of geometrical parameters in the layers of the structure had not been studied. We studied the effect of the pitch of the transverse layer in a three-layer CLT panel on the deformation and distribution of the resulting normal stresses. The model was a composite orthotropic plate. Because of the lack of a unified methodology for calculating layered materials with orthotropic properties in the layers, the studies were carried out by means of the SCAD+ computational complex using the finite element method. The article obtained, systematized and clearly showed the deflection and stress dependences of varying lamella pitch in the transverse layer of a three-layer CLT panel. The results provide a better understanding of the dependence of deformability and stress distributions on the variation of board pitch in the transverse layer of the slab. In the future, this will allow us to explore opportunities to optimize the design of the CLT panel in order to reduce its weight, cost, reduce resource consumption while maintaining the required characteristics.

wooden structures, CLT panels, cross-laminated timber, stress distribution, deflection, composite plates