“Seismic behaviour of cross-laminated timber buildings: numerical modelling and design provisions.”

The paper discusses the numerical modelling of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) buildings subjected to seismic actions. After pointing out some important features of a correct modelling, which include the need for a proper schematization of the connection flexibility, an advanced non-linear hysteretic spring implemented in Abaqus is introduced and used to schematize a CLT wall subassembly, demonstrating excellent accuracy. Provisions for seismic design are then given, including behaviour factors, capacity based design rules, and overstrength factors, which are needed to ensure dissipative behaviour of CLT buildings and prevent any brittle failure.