Behavior of cross-laminated timber diaphragm connections with self-tapping screws

Monotonic and cyclic tests were carried out to determine strength and stiffness characteristics of 2.44 m (8 ft) long shear connections with 8 mm and 10 mm diameter self-tapping screws. The goal of this research is to compare test values of cross-laminated timber (CLT) diaphragm connections in seismic force-resisting systems to the design values calculated from formulas in the National Design Specification for Wood Construction (USA) and the Eurocode. Understanding and quantifying the behavior of these shear connections will provide structural engineers with increased confidence in designing these components, especially with regard to the seismic force resisting systems. Ratios of the experimental yield strength (from the yield point on the load-deflection curve) to factored design strength were in the range of 2.1-6.1. In the ASCE 41-13 acceptance criteria analysis, the co-factors for the Life Safety performance level in cyclic tests ranged from 1.6 to 1.8 for surface spline connections and from 0.9 to 1.7 for cyclic half-lap connections. The half-lap connections with a unique combination of angled and vertical screws performed exceptionally well with both high, linear elastic initial stiffness and ductile, post peak behavior.