Bending performance of nail laminated timber (NLT): Experiments and probabilistic modelling based on Monte Carlo simulation

Nail laminated timber (NLT) is gaining attention due to the advantages of low cost, simple fabrication and distinctive aesthetic. However, research is still limited on the design of NLT panels. To investigate the bending behavior of NLT, probabilistic modelling method based on Monte Carlo simulation was presented in this study. Firstly, two kinds of dimension lumber were respectively used as the laminations of the NLT specimens, and bending tests were conducted on both the laminations and the NLT. The failure modes and the bending properties of the NLT were analyzed. Then, a random sampling model for the laminations was developed considering the material uncertainty. The simulated laminations were virtually laminated into NLT, and large-scale modelling on the NLT was conducted. Finally, the modelling was validated by test results and parametric analysis was further carried out. Results showed that the probabilistic modelling is capable of predicting the mean value as well as the variability of the NLT’s bending properties. The bending strength of NLT is influenced primarily by the mean bending strength of its laminations. However, a lower mean value and higher variability in the bending strength of NLT would result from the laminations with lower variability in the modulus of elasticity, higher variability in the bending strength and poorer correlation between the bending strength and the modulus of elasticity.