Mega-Finger-Joints for Stiff CLT Edge Connections

HIGH-PERFORMANCE PLATE-TO-PLATE AND PLATE-TO-COLUMN CONNECTIONS FOR GRID-INDEPENDENT, LARGE-SPANNED AND BIAXIAL MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF CLT-BASED FLOORS

The research project aims at exploring and further developing high-performance CLT-Plate edge connections for both the main and secondary loading directions, enabling a full biaxial load behaviour for large spans up to 10m×10m. Additionally, column-slab connections will be developed based on previous work, which allow for nearly arbitrary arrangements of columns within the slab area, whether inside, at the edges, or corners of the plate.

The development of the novel slab-to-slab and slab-to-column connections is intended to be realised using on-site adhesive methods, which take into consideration the latest technological advancements in structural adhesives. In order to assess the performance of the connections an extensive experimental campaign is devised, which includes short- and long-term tests, as well as tests under high temperatures and variations in moisture content.

The study of slab-to-column connections will be focused on the determination of the shear capacity, as well as ensuring a sufficient reinforcement for the expected stress concentrations. To make the connections accessible for standard computer-assisted structural analysis, a finite element-based tool will be developed to help, among others, in deciding on the suitability of the connections for different projects based on structural and economic criteria.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR & PARTICIPATING RESEARCHERS

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jan Knippers
Institute for Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE), University of Stuttgart

Dr.-Ing. Cristóbal Tapia and Dr.-Ing. Gerhard Dill-Langer
Materials Testing Institute (MPA), University of Stuttgart

TEAM

Kai Simon (MPA)
Mykhaylo Kazmiruk (ITKE)

PARTNERS

Binderholz GmbH, Kösching/Interpark
Müllerblaustein, Blaustein
Dynea AS, Krems, Österreich
Lübbert Warenhandel, Hendstedt-Ulzburg
Henkel, Sempach Station, Schweiz

FUNDING

Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e. V. (FNR)