Papers

@article{martin-gutierrez_flexural_2026,

title = {Flexural behaviour of an innovative cross-laminated timber-concrete composite structural flooring system},

author = {Emilio Martín-Gutiérrez and Félix Suárez-Riestra and Dolores Otero-Chans},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352012426008064},

doi = {10.1016/j.istruc.2026.111857},

issn = {2352-0124},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-06-01},

urldate = {2026-08-18},

journal = {Structures},

volume = {88},

pages = {111857},

abstract = {Timber-Concrete Composite (TCC) systems are one of the most interesting strategies for slab construction, both for structural performance and environmental considerations. In the latter sense, some research proposed the use of recycled aggregates and locally sourced timber, as well as the reduction of adhesive consumption. This paper analyses the performance of a TCC system in which the timber-concrete connection is achieved by drilling holes in the web, the concrete contains 20% recycled aggregates, and Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) made from locally source timber is used. Four-point bending tests were developed with a span of 6 m and a height to span ratio of 1/20. In addition, 3D FEM models were calibrated with the experimental results, and used for a better understanding of the failure modes. The samples showed a strength between 4.22 and 4.83 times that required for loads of public use. Furthermore, in service situation they showed a stiffness that amply satisfies the usual regulatory requirements, with deflections between 1/664 and 1/770 of the span. In addition, the ultimate deformation was found to be approximately 6.4 times the service deformation, suggesting sufficient ductility for use in building structures.},

keywords = {Cross-laminated timber, Full-scale testing, Recycled aggregate concrete, shear connection, Timber-concrete composite floors},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{otero-chans_behavior_2025,

title = {Behavior of cross-laminated timber panels under different shear loading scenarios},

author = {Dolores Otero-Chans and Félix Suárez-Riestra and Emilio Martín-Gutiérrez and Javier Estévez-Cimadevila},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352710225013038},

doi = {10.1016/j.jobe.2025.113066},

issn = {2352-7102},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-10-01},

urldate = {2026-03-18},

journal = {Journal of Building Engineering},

volume = {111},

pages = {113066},

abstract = {There is limited knowledge of the behaviour of cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels in situations other than their use as slabs or walls. As a preliminary step toward implementing tests on structural-sized bending members, three types of tests were carried out on 60 cm thick, three-layer CLT panels to verify their behaviour under shear loading in different conditions. Also, numerical models were developed and relate to the observed failure modes. First, in-plane shear tests were performed. Second, pull-out shear tests were conducted on specimens composed of CLT and concrete with recycled aggregates. In these two tests, two orientations of the CLT face boards relative to the load direction were investigated: parallel and perpendicular. Finally, four bending tests were conducted on short CLT I-beams to evaluate the flexural shear strength of the CLT panels used as the web of the section. In the first two tests, the shear strength was found equivalent for parallel-oriented panels, with variations of up to 33 % in the case of perpendicular-oriented panels. Both orientations showed similar slip modulus values in the CLT-concrete pull-out shear tests. The glued flange-web joint of the beams did not show any noticeable failure or slippage, which would enable the design of cassette solutions with CLT ribs. The results of this research will serve as the basis for the design of various structural solutions, including timber-concrete composite (TCC) systems with casettte cross-section in which perforations made in the CLT panels act as shear connectors between the timber and the concrete.},

keywords = {Cross-laminated timber, Destructive test, Finite element model, Shear strength, Timber-concrete composite},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{chacon_p2pe_2024,

title = {P2PE: A finite element formulation for panel-to-panel cross-laminated timber connections},

author = {Matías F. Chacón and Pablo Guindos-Bretones},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0045794924001330},

doi = {10.1016/j.compstruc.2024.107404},

issn = {0045-7949},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-08-01},

urldate = {2026-04-21},

journal = {Computers & Structures},

volume = {300},

pages = {107404},

abstract = {This paper presents a new multi-spring finite element formulation called P2PE that simulates the cyclic behavior of panel-to-panel Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) connections. The formulation comprises five types of uncoupled linear/nonlinear springs representing the fasteners and contact between panels. For instance, the in-plane fastener behavior is simulated with a co-rotational spring and the Modified Richard–Abbott (MRA) model, which is adapted to account for the asymmetry, pinching, degradation, and low-cycle fatigue of timber connections. The model was implemented into ANSYS through user-element/materials, including all computer implementation steps, and can be freely downloaded. The model's response and sensitivity were studied in three demonstrative CLT diaphragms, and it was validated at the connection and assembly stage with benchmark tests. In the first stage, the fastener model was verified with four cyclic CLT connections, while in the second stage, the model was validated with three medium-to-large scale CLT assemblies. The model accurately predicts the stiffness, strength, deformation, slip, and failure mechanisms of both stages. Finally, a parametric analysis of in-plane bending CLT diaphragms was assessed by varying their panel dimensions. This analysis demonstrated that diaphragms with slender panels have larger capacities, fastener energy dissipation, and shear slips but lower ductilities than shorter ones.},

keywords = {CLT diaphragms, Cross-laminated timber, Hysteretic timber models, Nonlinear finite element model, Panel-to-panel CLT connection, Parametric analysis},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{veliz_structural_2024,

title = {Structural performance of strong timber diaphragms: High-capacity light-timber frames and cross-laminated timber},

author = {Fernando Véliz and Matias F. Chacón and Jorge Lagos and Sebastián Berwart and Nicol López and Pablo Guindos-Bretones},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352012424004879},

doi = {10.1016/j.istruc.2024.106335},

issn = {2352-0124},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-05-01},

urldate = {2026-04-20},

journal = {Structures},

volume = {63},

pages = {106335},

abstract = {The construction of tall timber buildings is not only challenging because it requires stronger vertical lateral systems but also because it demands much Stronger Timber (ST) diaphragms in comparison to the ones required by low-rise timber construction. Two main ST alternatives exist: High-capacity Light-Timber Frame (HLTF) and Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) diaphragms. Both approaches provide more strength, stiffness, and still have the potential to provide ductile failure than traditional timber diaphragms. However, it is unclear the structural performance differences between these two ST alternatives, which is the aim of this research. In this study, an experimental program comprising the monotonic and cyclic testing of several representative sheathing-to-framing connections, plus the full-scale monotonic bending testing of six HLTF and CLT diaphragms was accomplished to characterize and compare the performance of both ST diaphragm configurations. Failure modes and mechanical properties such as stiffness, load-bearing capacity, and ductility were evaluated for all specimens. Results show that HLTF diaphragms have larger load-bearing capacity than CLT ones. Conversely, CLT diaphragms perform more ductile than HLTF ones, with a mean of μ= 1.87 and μ= 3.5, respectively, where the first was due mainly to high plastification of fasteners and the second to premature brittle failure of some components. Furthermore, the experimental findings were utilized to evaluate the precision of prevailing analytical and numerical models, thereby illustrating their capability to adequately represent the elastic and nonlinear responses of both ST alternatives. Finally, a sensitivity analysis of a two–story wall building with varying diaphragm (LTF, HLTF and CLT) and different light-frame shear walls (rigid and flexible) was studied. Both the diaphragms and shear walls were modeled under two different equivalent diagonal link models. The sensitivity analysis concluded that both flexible diaphragm assumption and envelope approach might not be an efficient solution, while semi-rigid approach with flexibility index η ranging 0–0.5 may be expected when using ST with LTF shear walls. Finally, the diaphragm model employed enabled the validation of its elastic behavior under lateral loads, with use factors under 30% for typical setups.},

keywords = {Analytical displacement model, Cross-laminated timber, Finite element models, Full-scale experimental tests, High-capacity light-timber frames, In-plane monotonic bending tests, Sensitivity analysis, Strong timber diaphragms},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}