Probabilistic Design of Flexural Cross-laminated Timber Structural Elements

The article presents a probabilistic approach to the design of flexural elements made of cross-laminated timber (CLT) as one of the promising materials for sustainable construction. The variability of the elasticity modulus and the ultimate strength of the timber layers effects on the structural safety. Such uncertainty can be modeled by using probabilistic and statistical methods. Information is presented on tests of a three-layer CLT panel during bending, and statistical parameters are given for wooden control samples of the CLT panel layers. The implementation of the presented approach makes it possible to obtain an estimate of the reliability index or the failure probability for the CLT structural element according to the criterion of normal cross-sections strength. With a given target level of reliability or risk value, the reliability level of the design solution of a cross-laminated structure can be quantified.