The Effect of the Bearing Width on the Buckling Capacity of Partially Loaded CLT Member

The calculation method for buckling capacity of cross-laminated timber (CLT) under axial load with one-way members has been investigated and incorporated into design codes worldwide. However, the load may only be applied to a part of the CLT members. In this case, the available calculation method for buckling capacity is not applicable. To solve this problem, a 3D numerical model was developed to study the buckling behavior of axially loaded CLT members. After being validated by comparison with experimental results, the model was used to investigate the buckling capacity of axially loaded CLT members with different aspect ratios and bearing length ratios. The CLT members all consisted of three layers. The thickness of the CLT members was 105 mm, the width ranged from 300 mm to 2100 mm, and the height ranged from 1400 mm to 3500 mm. It was found that the unloaded part of CLT served as constraints to the loaded part. The longer the unloaded part, the stronger the constraint was. The buckling capacity increased with the increase in bearing length ratios. An equivalent width method (EWM) was proposed; i.e., the partially loaded CLT member was replaced by a fully loaded member with an equivalent width, which can be determined by the proposed formulas. It was found that the proposed calculation method is reliable and simple to apply. This study supplies the missing calculation method for the buckling behavior of partially loaded CLT members and helps to promote the engineering application of CLT members.

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