Partial Compressive Properties of Cross Laminated Timber I. Experimental study of effects on mechanical properties of CLT of Japanese cedar

Partial compressive properties of lateral faces in Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) are important when we calculate the criteria for connections. However, the technical knowledge from studies of compression behavior of lateral faces in CLT is still limited. In this study, we determined partial compressive properties, yield stress, and initial and secondary stiffness for lateral faces when using CLT made of Japanese cedar. There were 24 types of specimens that varied in width of loading plates, location of loading plates, presence or absence of edge bonds or side margins. Results of experiments showed that the width of the applied loading device and of the side margin have a potent influence. It is assumed that the effect of the width of the applied loading device is a size effect. The size margin effect was greater when the width of the loading plates decreased. Specimens with greater than 100 mm side margins can be considered to be of infinite length. The presence of edge bonds contributes to increasing partial compressive strength. On the other hand, the perimeters of the location of the loading plates do not have a potent influence.