The compressive strength perpendicular to grain of cross laminated timber (CLT) was studied experimentally. The problem was also theoretically analyzed and a finite element model was created and solved using a commercial finite element software package. The experiments were carried out with three layer CLT specimens of dimensions 200x200x120 mm and 300x300x120 mm. In some of the experiments a contact free deformation measurement system was used to analyze the strain field during loading. Different ways to apply the load were used: over the whole surface of the specimens and by a 50 mm wide steel bar. The position of the steel bar in relation to the specimen edge and its orientation relative the surface grain direction was varied. It was found that the compression strength of the cross laminated timber depended on the way in which the load was applied. The compression strength perpendicular to grain was found vary from 2.9 N/mm2 for specimens loaded by a line load at the edge of the specimen and parallel to the surface grain direction to 5.8 N/mm2 for specimens loaded by a line load at the specimen centre and perpendicular to the surface fiber direction. / Tryckhållfastheten vinkelrät fiberriktningen i korslimmade massivträskivor (CLT) bestämdes experimentellt. Även teoretiska studier genomfördes med hjälp av ett kommersiellt finita elementprogram. Provningarna genomfördes på treskiktsskivor med måtten 200x200x120 mm samt 300x300x120 mm. I vissa av försöken användes dessutom ett mätsystem för beröringsfri deformationsmätning för att bestämma töjningsfälten. Olika sätt att belasta provbitarna undersöktes: genom att belasta hela provytan eller genom att belasta provet med en 50 mm bred stålstav. Stålstavens läge i förhållande till provbitens kant och dess orientering i förhållande till ytskiktets fiberriktning varierades. De experimentella resultaten visade att hållfastheten beror på hur provbitarna belastas. Tryckhållfastheten varierade mellan 2.9 N/mm2 för fallet med en linjelast vid provbitens kant och orienterad parallellt med ytskiktets fiberriktning och 5.8 N/mm2 för fallet med en linjelast mitt på provbiten och orienterad vinkelrät mot ytskiktets fiberriktning.

<p> </p><p>The compressive strength perpendicular to grain of cross laminated timber (CLT) was studied experimentally. The problem was also theoretically analyzed and a finite element model was created and solved using a commercial finite element software package. The experiments were carried out with three layer CLT specimens of dimensions 200x200x120 mm and 300x300x120 mm. In some of the experiments a contact free deformation measurement system was used to analyze the strain field during loading. Different ways to apply the load were used: over the whole surface of the specimens and by a 50 mm wide steel bar. The position of the steel bar in relation to the specimen edge and its orientation relative the surface grain direction was varied. It was found that the compression strength of the cross laminated timber depended on the way in which the load was applied. The compression strength perpendicular to grain was found vary from 2.9 N/mm² for specimens loaded by a line load at the edge of the specimen and parallel to the surface grain direction to 5.8 N/mm² for specimens loaded by a line load at the specimen centre and perpendicular to the surface fiber direction.</p><p><strong> </strong></p> / <p> </p><p>Tryckhållfastheten vinkelrät fiberriktningen i korslimmade massivträskivor (CLT) bestämdes experimentellt. Även teoretiska studier genomfördes med hjälp av ett kommersiellt finita elementprogram. Provningarna genomfördes på treskiktsskivor med måtten 200x200x120 mm samt 300x300x120 mm. I vissa av försöken användes dessutom ett mätsystem för beröringsfri deformationsmätning för att bestämma töjningsfälten. Olika sätt att belasta provbitarna undersöktes: genom att belasta hela provytan eller genom att belasta provet med en 50 mm bred stålstav. Stålstavens läge i förhållande till provbitens kant och dess orientering i förhållande till ytskiktets fiberriktning varierades. De experimentella resultaten visade att hållfastheten beror på hur provbitarna belastas. Tryckhållfastheten varierade mellan 2.9 N/mm² för fallet med en linjelast vid provbitens kant och orienterad parallellt med ytskiktets fiberriktning och 5.8 N/mm² för fallet med en linjelast mitt på provbiten och orienterad vinkelrät mot ytskiktets fiberriktning.</p><p><strong> </strong></p>

Bolted connection with perpendicular to grain loading has been considered as a high priority research area by Smith and Foliente (2002), for the advancement of the load resistance factor design (LRFD) of connections. The results obtained from the experimental testing of this research will provide information regarding the behavior of connections at conditions of capacity and yield, and a comparison between single and two bolted connections for laminated veneer lumber (LVL) from different manufacturers. Comparison of the experimental results with the predicted results from three models: Technical Report -12 (AF&PA 1999), Van der Put and Leijten (2000) and Jensen et. al. (2003), for single and two bolt connections loaded perpendicular to grain will help in accurately predicting LVL connection behavior. Success in achieving the goals of this research will provide enhancement of knowledge and information for single and two bolted connections loaded in perpendicular to the grain connections for LVL and thereby help in calibrating LRFD parameters on pure reliability basis in future. The variables considered included LVL from two different manufacturers, single and two bolt connections with different bolt sizes and loaded edge distances. The connections were loaded to capacity for all the tests. Tests for the material property input values required for these models were also performed as a part of this research. Connection testing showed splitting failures combined with crushing of main member material and formation of a single plastic moment. Connection resistance increased with increased loaded edge distance and number of bolts. The allowable shear design value controlled the National Design Specification Allowable Stress Design (NDS ASD) lateral design value to the connection design except for one connection configuration with 7D loaded edge distance for two bolts of ½ inch, where connection design strength values controlled. The displacement limit decided for the dowel bearing strength test had a direct impact on the predicted TR-12 capacity values. The capacity resistance calculated by both fracture models increased with increase in loaded edge distances. The Mode-I fracture energy values directly affected the predicted fracture model values. The tension perpendicular to grain strength values directly affected the Jensen model values. Statistical comparison of 4D and 7D loaded edge distances and LVL-1 and LVL-2 material revealed that Van der Put model had no difference in the calculated to test (C/T) ratios with respect to different loaded edge distances and materials and the Jensen model predicted the C/T ratios at 4D to be significantly greater than at 7D and for LVL-1 to be significantly greater than LVL-2. Van der Put model over predicts at capacity and the C/T values are consistent with change in loaded edge distance. Jensen model C/T ratios over predicted for single bolt connection and predicts accurate for two bolt connection with respect to loaded edge distances. Comparing the two fracture models with a ductile model TR-12 with respect to different loaded edge distances, material, number and size of bolts, Jensen model best predicted the C/T ratios. The Van der Put model tended to over predict values, while the TR-12 model had no consistent trend in C/T ratios, but seemed to be affected inversely by changes in loaded edge distance. / Master of Science