REVIEW OF THE PERFORMANCE OF CLT WALL-TO-FLOOR CONNECTIONS FOR A MULTI-STOREY MODULAR BUILDING USING IRISH TIMBER

Abstract

In recent years, the focus has shifted toward more sustainable construction methods. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) has emerged as an excellent material in terms of structural properties and environmental impact. Across Europe, C24-grade timber is primarily used for the manufacture of CLT and hence most of the research data available is for CLT of this grade. However, Ireland has an increasing supply of C16-grade Sitka spruce timber and studies have shown that C16-grade Irish timber is suitable for use in CLT. This paper reviews the commonly available connectors for wall-to-floor connections in CLT and their feasibility and functionality for a multi-storey modular building constructed using C16-grade CLT. A modular building consists of stackable and scalable prefabricated modular units which are manufactured off-site and transported and assembled on-site. The most common types of commercially available connectors have been reviewed and angle brackets have been identified as the most common type of connectors for wall-to-floor connections. Numerical modelling of these connections to predict their behaviour under shear and tension loads has also been reviewed. Future research needs for using these connections for a modular building made of C16-grade CLT have also been identified and highlighted.

Keywords: Irish timber, Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), Modular Building, Connections, Angle brackets