Investigating the Deformation Characteristics of Balloon-type CLT Shearwall

Balloon-type cross-laminated timber (CLT) shearwalls represent a valuable alternative to traditional platform-type construction for use as lateral load resisting systems in mid-rise mass timber buildings. Limited information is available on the behaviour of balloon-type shearwalls, and the system is not included in design codes and standards. The research aims to investigate the lateral deformation contribution and kinematic behaviour of balloon-type CLT shearwall system. A simplified analytical model to establish the lateral displacement of shearwalls is presented and discussed. The methodology involves a validated finite element model, and the result of sensitivity analysis is used to develop the analytical model. The study revealed that the stiffness of hold-downs and vertical joints, and aspect ratio of panels and vertical loads are contributing factors influencing lateral stiffness. The proposed analytical model was verified against 45 cases implemented in numerical models yielding an average error in the prediction of top lateral displacement of less than 4.7%.