Mass Timber Structural

Floor and
Roof Design
Scott Breneman, Ph.D., P.E., SE
[Link]@[Link]

Distribution of the webinar materials outside of your site is prohibited. Reproduction of the materials and pictures without a written permission of the
copyright holder is a violation of the U.S. law.

Meet Your Instructor

 California licensed PE and SE

Washington licensed PE

 Senior Technical Director – Mass Timber

at WoodWorks

 Provides direct project assistance, and

education to project teams considering
wood structural systems on commercial
and multi-family projects throughout US.

1
 Webinar Outcomes

 Discuss product manufacturing and design standards relevant to

mass timber and identify where these standards are recognized in
the International Building Code

 Applicationthe structural design process of mass timber floor and

roof applications

 Understand how to design mass timber floors to achieve

serviceability goals related to deflection and vibration

 Explain the available capabilities and detailing of CLT within the

lateral force resisting system of building applications

Mass timber is a Mass Timber

category of framing What is it?

styles often using small

wood members formed
into large panelized
solid wood
construction including
CLT, NLT or glulam
panels for floor, roof
and wall framing
4

2
 Mass Timber Structural Framing Systems

Gravity
Framing
Styles

Hybrid Light‐
Two‐Way
Post & Beam Frame & “Honeycomb”
Panel Deck
Mass Timber

Bullitt Center
Seattle, WA

2x4 NLT roof deck

2x6 NLT floor deck
Floor assembly top to bottom:
Photo Credit: John Stamets
3” concrete topping, acoustical mat, WSP, 2x6 NLT
6

3
 HUDSON BUILDING
VANCOUVER, WA

DEVELOPER: Killian Pacific and Mackenzie

PHOTO CREDIT: WoodWorks

T3 Minneapolis
Minneapolis, MN

Image Credit: Blaine Brownell

4
 UMass Design Building
Amherst, MA

Photo Credit: alex schreyer

BROCK COMMONS
VANCOUVER, BC

5 PLY CLT PANELS, 2‐WAY SPAN

~9’X13’ GRID OF COLUMNS
Images: acton ostry architects

10

5
 Chicago Horizon Pavilion
Chicago, IL

56’ square kiosk

2 Layers of 3‐ply, 4‐1/8”
CLT roof panels in opposite
directions, each panel 8’ x
56’, creating 2 way
spanning plate

Photo Credit: Tom Harris

11

Virtuoso, Vancouver, BC

Image: Seagate Structures

Image: Adera

12

6
 Candlewood Suites
Redstone Arsenal, AL

• 62,600 SF, 4 story hotel, 92

private rooms
• CLT utilized for walls, roof
panels, and floor panels
Image Credit: Lend Lease

13

Redstone Arsenal Hotel

Huntsville, AL

Image Credit: Lend Lease

14

7
 Candlewood Suites
Redstone Arsenal, AL

Image Credit: IHG® Army Hotels,

Lendlease
15

Mass Timber Structural Framing Systems

Post & Beam

Horizontal Primary
Deck Frame

Structural
Solid Sawn Other
Glulam Composite
Lumber Materials
Lumber

16

8
 Glulam Structural Design
Glulam Specs:
Typical Widths:
3‐1/8”, 3‐1/2”, 5‐1/8”, 5‐1/2”, 6‐3/4”, 8‐3/4”,
10‐3/4”, 12‐1/4”

Typical Depths:
Increments per # of lams from 6” to 60”+
western species lams are typically 1‐1/2” thick
Southern pine lams are typically 1‐3/8” thick dept
h

Typical Species:
Douglas‐Fir, Southern Pine, Spruce
Also available in cedar & others widt
h
Image: APA Glulam Product Guide

17

Glulam Design Values

Source: NDS supplement Table 5A

18

9
 Mass Timber Structural Framing Products

Post &
Beam

Horizontal Primary
Deck Frame

T&G SCL &

NLT GLT CLT
Decking Composites

19

Mass Timber Products

Nail‐Laminated Timber Cross‐Laminated Timber Horizontal Framing
(NLT) (CLT) Glue‐Laminated Timber (GLT)

Tongue & groove

Timber concrete composite
decking (T&G) Structural Composite Lumber

Image source: structurecraft

20

10
 Nail Laminated
Timber

Photo credit: structurecraft

21

NLT Structural Design

Nail‐laminated timber (NLT) =
a structural panel of square‐edged
dimensional lumber laminations (usually
2x) set on edge and nailed wide face
together
• Recognized in IBC 2304.9.3
(mechanically laminated decking)
• NDS 15.1.1 provides distribution factors
for concentrated loads
• Can be used for floor, roof decking.
Occasionally used for shaft walls

22

11
 NLT Structural Design
Content includes:
• Architecture
• Fire
• Structure
• Enclosure
• Supply and Fabrication
• Construction and Installation
• Erection engineering
Free download from [Link]

23

NLT Structural Design

NLT shrinkage/expansion design:

Rule of thumb: leave gap between ½” and
one ply wide per 8’‐10’ wide panel

24

12
 Cross‐Laminated Timber

25

Cross Laminated Timber

Considerations:
• Large light-weight panels
• Dimensionally stable
• Precise CNC machining available
• Recognized by IBC
• Dual Directional span capabilities
• Often architecturally exposed
• Fast on-site construction

Graphic Credit: StructureCraft

26

13
 What is CLT?

3+ layers of laminations
Typically Solid Sawn Laminations
Cross‐Laminated Layup Thickness
3 to 20 inches*

Max Length
24 to 60 feet* Max Width
8 to 10 feet*

*All dimensions are approximate.

Consult with manufacturers

27

First Tech Credit Union, Hillsboro, Oregon

Photo Credit: Structurlam Products

28

14
 Model Building Code Acceptance

2015 International Building Code

29

North American CLT Product Standard

The Standard Covers:

- U.S. and Canada Use
- Panel Dimensions and Tolerances
- Component Requirements
- Structural Performance
Requirements
- Panel and Manufacturing
Qualification
- Marking (Stamping)
- Quality Assurance

ANSI/APA PRG 320 Standard for Performance-Rated

Cross-Laminated Timber

30

15
 CLT Stress Grades

Stress Grade Major Strength Minor Strength Direction

Direction
E1 1950f-1.7E MSR SPF #3 Spruce Pine Fir
E2 1650f-1.5E MSR DFL #3 Doug Fir Larch
E3 1200f-1.2E MSR Misc #3 Misc
E4 1950f-1.7E MSR SP #3 Southern Pine
V1 #2 Doug Fir Larch #3 Doug Fir Larch
V2 #1/#2 Spruce Pine Fir #3 Spruce Pine Fir
V3 #2 Southern Pine #3 Southern Pine

Standard (Non-mandatory) CLT stress grade in PRG 320-2012.

Other custom stress grades including structural composite lumber (SCL) permitted

31

Common CLT Layups

3-ply 3-layer

5-ply 5-layer

7-ply 7-layer 7-ply 5-layer

9-ply 9-layer
9-ply 7-layer

32

16
 PRG 320 Defined Layups

33

3rd Party Product Certification of CLT

34

17
 CLT Product Reports
Stress Grade Layup Panel Properties
(standard or custom) (standard or custom)

35

Structural Design Standardization

National Design Specification for Wood Construction

2015 Edition

36

18
 Model Building Code Acceptance

2015 International Building Code

37

Highlights of CLT Provisions in IBC 2015

• CLT is generally available for use in Type III, IV and V construction.

• IBC 2015 Chapter 6 Defines Dimensions of CLT to qualify as Heavy

Timber (Type IV Construction)
• 6” Walls
• 4” Floors
• 3” Roofs
• Non Fire-Retardant Treated CLT allowed in Exterior Walls of Type
IV construction in many conditions. (IBC 2015 602.4)
The Heavy Timber construction size requirements only apply to Type IV Construction

38

19
 Flatwise Properties

39

FLATWISE Panel Loading

Span in MAJOR Strength Direction Span in MINOR Strength Direction

“Parallel” Direction “Perpendicular” Direction
Reference & Source: ANSI/APA PRG 320-2017
40

20
 EDGEWISE Panel Loading

Span in MAJOR Strength Direction Span in MINOR Strength Direction

Reference & Source: ANSI/APA PRG 320-2017

41

Flatwise Flexural Strength

Design properties based on an Extreme Fiber Model:

Flexural Capacity Check:

Mb

Mb ≤ (FbSeff)′ Bending Stress

Mb = applied bending moment

(FbSeff)′ = adjusted bending capacity

Seff = effective section modulus

Fb = reference bending design stress of outer lamination

Reference: NDS 2015

42

21
 Flatwise Flexural Strength

Flexural Capacity Check (ASD)

Mb

Bending Stress

(FbSeff)′ = CD CM Ct CL (FbSeff)

per Commonly Provided as

NDS 1.0 combined value

Mb ≤ CD (1.0) (FbSeff)

Reference: NDS 2015

43

Flatwise Shear Strength

Design Properties based on Extreme Fiber Model:

Shear Capacity Check:

Va
Va ≤ Fs(Ib/Q)eff′
Shear Stress
Va = applied shear
Fs(IbQeff)′ = adjusted shear strength
Jargon Alert! AKA “Planar Shear”, “Out-of-Plane Shear”, or “Rolling Shear” Strength

Wood Structural Structural CLT Term

Panel Term Engineering Term
Reference: NDS 2015

44

22
 Flatwise Shear Strength
Design Properties based on Extreme Fiber Model:

Shear Capacity Check (ASD):

Vplanar

Shear Stress

Fs(IbQ)eff′ = CM Ct (Fs(IbQ)eff) = CM Ct Vs
Commonly
From Manufacturer
1.0

Note: Duration of Load Effects (Cd and λ) NOT

Vplanar ≤ (1.0) Vs applicable to Flatwise Shear Strength in the NDS

Reference: NDS 2015 & Product Reports

45

Shear Force Terminology

Source: ANSI/APA PRG 320-2017

Source: NDS 2015 Manual

Planar Shear
Rolling Shear NDS 2015: Fs(Ib/Q)eff
Shear-In-the-Plane? PRG 320 Product Reports: Vs,0 & Vs,90

Out-of-plane forces?
FLATWISE Shear in PRG 320 2017

46

23
 Flatwise Shear Strength

Rolling Shear

Source: CSA O86-14, 2016 Supplement

47

Flatwise CLT Panel Section Properties

Flexural Strength: FbSeff,0 FbSeff,90

Flexural Stiffness: EIeff,0 EIeff,90
Shear Strength: Vs,0 Vs,90
Shear Stiffness: GAeff,0 GAeff,90

Values in RED provided by CLT manufacturer

Reference: PRG 320 and CLT Product Reports

48

24
 Deflection Calculations

General Purpose: 1 Way, Beam Action

Needed Stiffness: EIeff,0 GAeff,0

Can model multiple spans, cantilevers, etc.

49

Example Deflection Calculations

Example Calculation: w = 80 psf

Uniform loading on one way slab:

Beam Analysis using
Flexural Stiffness: EIeff,0 16 foot span

Shear Stiffness: 5/6 GAeff,0

Maximum Deflection @ Mid-Span

5/6 GAeff

Design Example:
= 0.284 in + 0.034 in = 0.318 in
= L / 604

50

25
 Deflection Creep Factor
Deformation to Long Term Loads

Δ 𝐾 Δ Δ NDS Eq 3.5-1

Δ Deflection due to short-term loading

Δ Immediate deflection due to long term loading

𝐾 2.0 for CLT in dry service conditions

Design Example:
w = 40 + 40 psf
ΔST from 40psf = 0.159 in
ΔLT from 40psf = 0.159 in
ΔT = 2.0 (0.159) + 0.159 = 0.477 in
= L / 403
16 foot span

Reference: NDS 2015

51

Deflection Calculations
Simplified Beam Deflections: Uniform load, w

Given load pattern and support conditions:

5/6 GAeff Span, L

Find Apparent Flexural Stiffness, EIapp, such that

EIapp

𝐸𝐼
𝐸𝐼
11.5𝐸𝐼
1
𝐺𝐴 𝐿
Reference: US CLT Handbook

52

26
 Deflection Calculations

Simplified Beam Deflections

For single span, simple loading patterns, Apparent Flexural
Stiffness, EIapp, to determine maximum (mid-span) deflection:
𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼
𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼
𝐾 𝐸𝐼 16𝐾 𝐼
1 1
𝐺𝐴 𝐿 𝐴 𝐿
NDS 2015
US CLT Handbook
NDS 2015 Commentary For Major Axis Spans:
& NDS 2018 𝐸𝐼
𝐼 𝐸
𝐴 𝐺𝐴 ⁄𝐺

Reference: US CLT Handbook & NDS

𝐺 𝐸 ⁄16

53

Deflection Calculations

General Purpose, 2 Way, Plate Action

Flexural Stiffness
EIeff,0 EIeff,90
Shear Stiffness:
5/6 GAeff,0 5/6 GAeff,90
5/6 from A′ = 5/6 A shape factor for rectangular sections

54

27
 Using PRG 320 Standard Grades for Design?

PRG 320 includes pre-

defined Stress Grades,
Layups and related Design
Properties

Is doesn’t tell you what CLT

grades and layups are
available.

Coordinate your design with

manufactures availability and
information

55

Working with CLT: Know Your Supply Chain

• CLT Manufactures different CLT grades and maximum panel sizes

• CLT Manufacturers have specific CNC capabilities
• 3rd Party Fabricators can have additional CNC capabilities

Photo: DR Johnson Photo: Sauter Timber

56

28
 Floor Vibration Design

“One might almost say that strength is

essential and otherwise unimportant”

‐ Hardy Cross

57

US Building Code Requirements for Vibration

%DUHO\GLVFXVVHGLQ,%& 1 ' 6HWF

$6& (& RP P HQWDU\$SSHQGL[& KDVVRP HGLVFXVVLRQQRUHTXLUHP HQWV

58

29
 Vibrations vs Acoustics

Structural Acoustic
Vibrations Vibrations

1 Hz -- 100 Hz 20 Hz -- 15,000 Hz

Transmitted through Transmitted through

structure or through ground air, walls, floors, windows

Physical effects Audible effects

59

Human Body
Dynamics

Illustration: Sven-Olof Emanuelsson

60

30
 Common Vibration Sources for Buildings

9LEUDWLRQVRXUFHVDUHFRP SOH[
• )RRWIDOOUXQQLQJDHURELFVHWF
• 0 DFKLQHU\DQGHTXLSP HQW
• 9HKLFXODUWUDIILFUDLOWUDIILFIRUNOLIWV
• * URXQGERUQHVWUXFWXUHERUQHDLUERUQH
• 6WHDG\VWDWHHSLVRGLFSHULRGLF
• + DUP RQLFSXOVHUDQGRP
• 0 RYLQJVWDWLRQDU\

61

Resonant vs Impulsive Response

Excitation Frequency not >> Natural Frequency Excitation Frequency >> Natural Frequency
Excitation Creates Resonant Build‐up of Vibration Responses decays out between load cycles

Low Frequency Floor High Frequency Floor

fn ~< 8 Hz For Walking Excitation fn ~> 8 Hz

62

31
 Framing Materials Properties for Vibration

Material Floor Weight Damping Material Material Mass Example Floor

(psf) Stiffness (pcf) System
(106 psi)

Concrete 100‐150 1‐5% 3.2‐5.8 120‐150 2‐way slab on

columns
Steel 50‐100 0.5‐5% 30 490 Concrete on
metal deck on
purlins and
girders
Mass Timber 15‐65 1‐6% 1.2‐1.8 30‐40 Beam or wall
supported
Wood Frame 10‐40 2‐12% 1.2‐2.0 30‐40 Wall supported

63

Beam vs Wall Supported Floors

Graphic from ASPECT

Graphic from StructureCraft

Mass Timber Panels on Grid of Beams.

Mass Timber Panels on Bearing Walls
Frequency of Floor < Frequency of Panel
Vibration of Floor > Vibration of Panel
Vibration Design Depends on Beams

Low Frequency Floor? High Frequency Floor?

Maybe At all but longer floor spans

64

32
 Vibration Design Methods
Empirical Simplified FEM/Time
Rules of Thumb FEM/Modal
Methods Analytical History

Δ < L/480 Woeste & Dolan Wood Frame

fn > 14 Hz FPI/CLT Handbook Mass Timber

AISC Design Guide 11 Steel

CCIP 016 Concrete

SCI P354 Steel

CRSI Design Guide 10 Concrete

65

Vibration Design Methods

Empirical Simplified FEM/Time
Rules of Thumb FEM/Modal
Methods Analytical History

Δ < L/480 Woeste & Dolan Wood Frame

fn > 14 Hz FPI/CLT Handbook Mass Timber

AISC Design Guide 11 Steel

CCIP 016 Concrete

SCI P354 Steel

CRSI Design Guide 10 Concrete

66

33
 Vibration Design Methods
Empirical Simplified FEM/Time
Rules of Thumb FEM/Modal
Methods Analytical History

Δ < L/480 Woeste & Dolan Wood Frame

fn > 14 Hz FPI/CLT Handbook Mass Timber

Mass Timber Design Guide (in development) Mass Timber

AISC Design Guide 11 Steel

CCIP 016 Concrete

SCI P354 Steel

CRSI Design Guide 10 Concrete

67

Floor Vibration

Occupant perception of vibration is a highly recommended design

consideration.
One approach: US CLT Handbook, Chapter 7 (FPI Method)
Calculated natural frequency of simple span of bare CLT:

2.188 𝐸𝐼
𝑓
2𝐿 𝜌𝐴

Where:

EIapp = apparent stiffness for 1 foot strip, pinned supported, uniformly loaded, simple span (Ks = 11.5)
(lb-in2)
ρ = specific gravity of the CLT

A = the cross section area (thickness x 12 inches) (in2)

Reference: US CLT Handbook, Chapter 7

68

34
 FPI/CLT Handbook Method

Limit CLT Floor Span such that

Based on:
‐ Un‐topped CLT
Frequency f > 9.0 Hz ‐ Single, Simple span
‐ Bearing wall supports.

Span L Does not account for:

‐ Supporting beam flexibility
‐ Multi‐span conditions
‐ Additional floor mass (topping slab, etc)

Reference: US CLT Handbook, Chapter 7

69

FPI Span Limit for Basic CLT Grades / Layups

Grade Layup Thickness FPI Span Limit

Grade Layup Thickness FPI Span Limit
E1 3ply 4 1/8” 12’ 5”
V1 3ply 4 1/8” 12’ 2”
E1 5ply 6 7/8” 17’ 4”
V1 5ply 6 7/8” 17’ 0”
E1 7ply 9 5/8” 21’ 8”
V1 7ply 9 5/8” 21’ 3”
E2 3ply 4 1/8” 12’ 0”
V2 3ply 4 1/8” 11’ 11”
E2 5ply 6 7/8” 16’ 8”
V2 5ply 6 7/8” 16’ 8”
E2 7ply 9 5/8” 20’ 10”
V2 7ply 9 5/8” 20’ 10”
E3 3ply 4 1/8” 11’ 7”
V3 3ply 4 1/8” 12’ 0”
E3 5ply 6 7/8” 16’ 1”
V3 5ply 6 7/8” 16’ 9”
E3 7ply 9 5/8” 20’ 1”
V3 7ply 9 5/8” 21’ 0”
E4 3ply 4 1/8” 12’ 2”
E4 5ply 6 7/8” 17’ 0”
E4 7ply 9 5/8” 21’ 3”

Limitations:
Approximate FPI Span Limits: ‐ Does not account for strength or deflections
3‐ply: 11 to 12 ft ‐ Does not account for beam flexibility
5‐ply: 16 to 17 ft ‐ Does not account for project specifics
7‐ply: 20 to 21 ft

70

35
 Edgewise Structural Properties

71

EDGEWISE Panel Loading

Span in MAJOR Strength Direction Span in MINOR Strength Direction

Reference & Source: ANSI/APA PRG 320-2017

72

36
 Shear Force Terminology & Jargon

Source: ANSI/APA PRG 320-2017 Source: NDS 2015 Manual

Through-the-Thickness Shear NDS 2015: Fv(tv)

In-plane Shear Forces PRG 320-2017: Fv,e,0 tp & Fv,e,90 tp
EDGEWISE Shear in PRG 320-2017

73

CLT in Lateral Force Resisting Systems

CLT Panels have a significant in-plane shear strength.

Source: ICC-ES ESR 3631

~75 to 195+ PSI Allowable Edgewise Shear

~900 to 2300 PLF per Inch of Thickness.

Consult with the Manufacturers for Details

Source: APA Product Report PR-L306

Standard test method defined using ASTM D198

74

37
 Connection Details

75

Connection Styles

Panel to Panel at floors, roofs or walls

Single Surface Spline Half Lap

76

38
 Connection Styles

77

Connection Styles

Floor Panel to Wall

Platform Frame with

Double Brackets

Platform Frame with

Single Brackets
Platform Frame
With Only Screws

78

39
 Connection Styles

Floor Panel to Wall

Platform Frame with

Hidden Bracket

Balloon Frame Platform Frame with

With Supporting Bracket
Ledger

79

Panel to Beam Connection Styles

80

40
 Mass Timber Design
Connections

Long self tapping

screws used
extensively
throughout mass
timber construction
81
Photo Credit: Alex Schreyer

81

Proprietary Products

Variety of Self Tapping Screws

82

41
 Proprietary Products

Source: Simpson Strong-Tie Source: rothoblaas

83

CLT in NDS 2015 - Connectors

Connectors for CLT in NDS 2015:

Dowel Type Fasteners, e.g. Lag Screws, Bolts and Nails

84

42
 Lateral Systems

85

Mass Timber Lateral Systems

Lateral Force
Systems

Vertical Horizontal
Lateral/Seismic Lateral/Seismic
Force Resisting Force Resisting
Systems Systems

86

43
 Mass Timber Lateral Systems

Lateral Force
Systems

Vertical Horizontal
Lateral/Seismic Lateral/Seismic
Force Resisting Force Resisting
Systems Systems

Code Recognized Innovative System

Seismic Force via Alternative
Resisting System Means

87

Mass Timber Design

Lateral framing systems

Light‐frame wood shearwalls

Photo Credit: woodworks

88

44
 Mass Timber Design
Lateral framing systems

Central Core – concrete shearwalls

Photo Credit: structurecraft

89

Mass Timber Design

Lateral framing systems

Steel Braced Frame

Photo Credit: john stamets

90

45
 Tall Wood Structural Systems

Lateral Force
Systems

Vertical Horizontal
Lateral/Seismic Lateral/Seismic
Force Resisting Force Resisting
Systems Systems

Code Recognized Innovative System

Seismic Force via Alternative
Resisting System Means

91

CLT Shear Wall Seismic Design Values

What R value can I use?

Photo: KLH Photo: FPI

92

46
 CLT Seismic Design
CLT Seismic Force Resisting Systems Not addressed In

ASCE/SEI 7-10 or 7/16 SDPWS 2015

93

State of Oregon Statewide Alternative

94

47
 State of Oregon Statewide Alternative

ASCE 7-10 Table 12.2-1 modified by Oregon Buildings Code Division

95

Range of Shear Wall Systems

Rocking Wall Systems (R = ~6?)

Ordinary Shear Walls (R = ~2?)

96

48
 Range of CLT Shear Wall Systems

Seismically Detailed Walls

(R = 4?)

(R = ~3?)
Ongoing FEMA P-695
study by John van de Lindt

97

Mass Timber Design

Lateral framing systems

mass timber shearwalls

Photo Credit: alex schreyer

98

49
 Mass timber design
Lateral framing systems

Timber braced frame

Photo Credit: alex schreyer

99

Mass Timber Lateral Systems

Lateral Force
Systems

Vertical Horizontal
Lateral/Seismic Lateral/Seismic
Force Resisting Force Resisting
Systems Systems

100

50
 NLT Diaphragm Design

Pre‐fabricated panels
often pre‐sheathed
Once installed, add
splice strips, tape
joint if applicable

Photo Credit: structurecraft

101

NLT Diaphragm Design

Source: NLT Design

& Construction
Guide

102

51
 CLT Diaphragms
Strength of CLT rarely
governs.

Strength of Connections
covered by NDS and
Proprietary Fastener
Evaluation Reports

103

CLT Diaphragm Design Example Paper

[Link]
content/uploads/2016/10/Structurl
am-CrossLam-CLT-White-Paper-
[Link]

104

52
 CLT in Lateral Force Resisting Systems

CLT Panels have a significant in-plane shear strength.

Source: ICC-ES/APA Joint Evaluation Report ESR 3631

145 to 290 PSI Allowable Edgewise Shear

= 1.7 to 3.5 kips/ft/in
Cd = 1.6 for short term loading

= 2.8 to 5.6 kips/ft length (ASD)

per Inch of Thickness. Source: APA Product Report PR-L306

105

Suggestions for CLT Diaphragm Design

Until CLT diaphragms are formally defined through a consensus

standardization, following are suggestions when considering
diaphragms with CLT through an alternative means and methods
process

106

53
 CLT Diaphragm Design

Basic Design
Provisions

Elastic
Capacity-Based
Response
System Design
Design

107

CLT Diaphragm Design

Basic Design
Provisions

• CLT diaphragms shall be designed in accordance with the

principles of mechanics using fastener and member strength in
accordance with the provisions of the NDS.
(or proprietary connectors using 3rd party verified equivalence)

Calculations per NDS, not capacity tables in SDPWS

108

54
 CLT Diaphragm Design Suggestions
Basic Design
Provisions

• Diaphragm shear connections at CLT panel edges and

diaphragm boundary connections shall be designed to ensure
that the connection capacity is limited by fastener yielding in
accordance with Mode III or Mode IV per NDS 12.3.1.

Design capacity of
connection 𝑍′ E Applied Seismic Forces
(ductile mode governing)

109

Connection Yield Modes Per the NDS

110

55
 Conceptual Fastener Behavior

Adhesiv
e
Screw in
Tension
Force

Screw or Nail
in Shear

Smooth Nail
in Tension

Displacemen
111 t

Conceptual Fastener Behavior

Well behaved seismic systems have ductile failure modes.
Adhesiv
e
Screw in
Tension
Force

Screw or Nail
in Shear

Smooth Nail
in Tension

Displacemen
112 t

56
 Panel to Panel Connection Styles

Surface Spline Half Lap

Butt Joint

Load Sharing…
not load bearing

113

An Efficient Panel to Panel Connection

Self-Tapping Screws 5 ½” to 6” wide plywood

as “erection bolts” or LVL
~18” – 24” o.c

Nails at spacing
required for shear
transfer

Graphics: ASPECT Structural Engineers

114

57
 Fastener Vendor Design Support

115

CLT Diaphragm Design

Capacity-Based
System Design

• Design CLT panels, diaphragm chord members and chord

splices, to resist no less than 2.0 times the forces associated
with development of the design strength of the diaphragm
shear connections

Design capacity of
Design capacity of other
diaphragm components 𝑍′ 2.0 𝑍′ connection
(ductile mode governing)

116

58
 CLT Diaphragm Design Suggestion
Capacity-Based
System Design

Design capacity of
Design capacity of other
diaphragm components 𝑍′ 2.0 𝑍′ connection
(ductile mode governing)

Capacity based
approximation of

Expected capacity of other Predicted ultimate

diaphragm components strength of connection

117

Additional Resources

118

59
 June 2016 Structures Magazine Article

[Link]

119

US CLT Handbook

1. Introduction 9. Sound
2. Manufacturing [Link]
3. Structural [Link]
4. Lateral [Link]
5. Connections
6. DOL and Creep
7. Vibration
8. Fire

120

60
 Source of CLT Handbook

[Link]

121

US CLT Handbook

1. Introduction 9. Sound
2. Manufacturing [Link]
3. Structural [Link]
4. Lateral [Link]
5. Connections
6. DOL and Creep
7. Vibration
8. Fire

From [Link]
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 Additional Resources – [Link]

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Additional Resources – [Link]

Inventory of Fire‐Resistance Tested Mass Timber Assemblies

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 Additional Resources – [Link]

Inventory of Mass Timber Acoustic Assemblies

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Copyright Materials
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Reproduction, distribution, display and use of
the presentation without written permission
of the speaker is prohibited.

© The Wood Products Council 2019

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 Questions?

• Scott Breneman, PhD, PE, SE

• [Link]@[Link]

Links to online resources

at [Link]:

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