Performance of a CLT Modular Building Utilizing Low Value Pine Lumber from Logs Harvested in Pacific NW Forest Restoration Programs
Research Team: Mariapaola Riggio and Lech Muszynski
Abstract: The objective of this project is to design, build, deploy, instrument, monitor and publicize a demonstration modular unit made from cross-laminated timber (CLT) using low-grade Ponderosa pine (PP). The demonstration unit will highlight the viability of large-volume production of modular units that can be used in low- and mid-rise structures.
Testing of a Cross-Laminated Timber Pier-and-Spandrel Seismic Retrofit Solution for Unreinforced Masonry Buildings
Project Lead: Andre R. Barbosa
Introduction: Over the past several decades, thousands of unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings were constructed in the United States (US), many in highly seismic regions, such as the Pacific Northwest and California. URM bearing walls perform well when compressed under gravity loads, however they are extremely weak when resisting lateral loads (e.g. earthquake loads). Because earthquake forces are bidirectional, URM walls experience both in-plane and out-of-plane loading. To combat the in-plane failure of URM walls, a cross-laminated timber (CLT) pier-and-spandrel seismic retrofit solution was developed and testing during this research project. CLT is an engineered wood product that consists of layers of laminated timber boards glued together, so that each layer is oriented perpendicular to the adjacent layer(s). CLT is an attractive building material because it is renewable, promotes fast installation, and possesses a high strength-to-weight ratio.
Framework Project - Splice Testing
Research Team: Andre Barbosa, Arijit Sinha, Christopher Higgins, Rajendra Soti
Abstract: This testing project focuses on structural testing to generate data that can be used to support the performance-based design of the framework project to be built in Portland, Oregon, namely in support of facilitating the design of rocking CLT walls. Specifically, this phase of testing would be developed using panels manufactured by DR Johnson. The testing being addressed in this scope of work includes CLT crushing tests and CLT wall panel tests.