Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is made up of multiple layers of timber arranged in alternating directions, with the grain in each layer running parallel to its length. This configuration provides excellent strength against forces parallel to the grain. However, when dealing with compression perpendicular to the grain, the location of the applied load or support becomes critical. This calculator considers various load and support scenarios—including center, edge (both parallel and perpendicular to the grain), corner, and continuous configurations—to ensure accurate analysis.
Compression Perpendicular to grain in CLT
Compression perpendicular to the grain refers to a compressive force applied perpendicular to the grain direction in cross-laminated timber. In CLT panels, this type of loading commonly occurs at:
- Point loads from columns or any concentrated loads
- Bearing supports (e.g. walls or beams under floor panels)
- Connection zones where concentrated stresses occur
Understanding how this compression behaves in CLT is necessary because CLTs are significantly weaker in this direction, making the bearing area and location critical for safe design.
Why Location of Load or Support Matters?
The location and size of the applied load or bearing area on a CLT panel significantly influences the distribution of compressive stresses and the panel’s effective bearing strength perpendicular to the grain. Different support conditions such as loading at the center, edge, or corner lead to varying stress distribution across the panel surface and through its layers.
Here are the typical cases in CLT:
- Center of the Panel
Load applied within the panel boundaries, away from all edges and supported in a similar manner.
- Edge – Parallel to Grain
Load located near an edge where the grain runs parallel to that edge. and supported in a similar manner.
- Edge – Perpendicular to Grain
Load positioned near an edge perpendicular to the grain direction. and supported in a similar manner.
- Corner of the Panel
Load applied at the intersection of two edges (e.g., at a corner column or post support).
- Continuous Load/Support
Load is applied continuously along a line (e.g., wall, beam) of the CLT panel. The Edge Parallel and perpendicular to Grain options are also available for the continuous case.
How CLT Toolbox Simplifies Timber Connection Design?
CLT Toolbox offers a suite of tools and resources designed to address timber connection challenges in the design of CLT – Compression Perpendicular to Grain with advanced analysis capabilities. The user interface is simple to use, which features a dynamic graphic that allows you to observe how the inputs change accordingly.
Get such contents from: WOODWORD
Read more news on: woodworking tools, timber construction, CLT Panel, floor panel
