Structural analysis of cross-laminated timber slabs subjected to bending – state of the art

Compared to solid or laminated timber, the main point of the design of cross-laminated timber (CLT) is very low resistance and stiffness of the CLT cross layers. For the modeling and analyzing of the load distribution in CLT, various methods are available. The aim of this paper is to present the possible ways for load-bearing analysis of structural members subjected to uniaxial and biaxial bending in various software products and using various methods. A parametric analysis was performed with the aim to compare the results obtained by the analytical method, the model of the orthotropic slab, the grillage model and using the software based on the finite element method. The values of maximum deflection obtained by selected methods were compared. The mid-span deflection of beams subjected to uniaxial bending differs only slightly. In the case of slabs subjected to biaxial bending, more visible differences in results occurred. The simplified methods give the highest values on the safe side.