Seismic Analysis of Cross-Laminated Multistory Timber Buildings Using Code-Prescribed Methods: Influence of Panel Size, Connection Ductility, and Schematization

AbstractThis paper investigates the seismic analysis of multistory cross-laminated timber (XLAM) buildings. The influence of different parameters such as wall geometry, vertical load level, friction, and, most importantly, connection stiffness, strength, and ductility is assessed. Linear and nonlinear finite-element (FE) analyses are carried out on a hypothetical 4-story case study building. The actual load-carrying capacity of the case study building is calculated with the nonlinear static pushover method and assessed using displacement-based design. The XLAM building behavior factors are then derived for different cases using a simplified method. Values in the range 2–3 have been obtained depending on whether monolithic or segmental walls (namely made of approximately 2-m-wide panels screwed to the adjacent ones) are used. Further nonlinear dynamic analyses carried out on a part of the case study building show that friction may have a beneficial effect on the seismic resistance of XLAM buildings. Howeve...