Influence of Composition of Layer Layout on Bending and Compression Strength Performance of Larix Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)

Abstract

In this study, bending and compression strength tests were performed to investigate effect of composition of layer layout of Larix cross-laminated timber (CLT) on mechanical properties. The Larix CLT consists of five laminae, and specimens were classified into four types according to grade and composition of layer. The layer’s layout were composited as follows 1) cross-laminating layers in major and minor direction (Type A), and 2) cross-laminating external layer in major direction and internal layer applied grade of layer in minor direction (Type B). E12 and E16 were used as grades of lamina for major direction layer of Type A and external layer of Type B according to KS F 3020. In results of the bending test of CLT using same grade layer according to layer composition, the modulus of elasticity (MOE) of Type B was higher than Type A. In case of prediction of bending MOE of Larix CLT, the experimental MOE was higher than 1.00 to 1.09 times for Shear analogy method and 1.14 to 1.25 times for Gamma method. Therefore, it is recommended to predict the bending MOE for Larix CLT by shear analogy method. Compression strength of CLT in accordance with layer composition was measured to be 2% and 9% higher for Type A using E12 and E16 layers than Type B, respectively. In failure mode of Type A, progress direction of failure generated under compression load was confirmed to transfer from major layer to minor layer by rolling shear or bonding line failure due to the middle lamina in major direction.