Hybrid structural systems assembled connecting steel elements and cross-laminated timber panels (CLT) can be a valid alternative to traditional systems in the construction of residential buildings. Such systems can combine the industrialized construction technology typical of steel systems with the advantages offered by CLT panels, namely lightness and geometric stability. Moreover, CLT panels are timber-based products, and wood is recognized as an eco-friendly and eco-compatible material. In hybrid structural systems, the seismic-resistant capacity of the structure can be achieved by ensuring an adequate transmission of actions among the resistant elements, namely plain timber panels (floor and wall) and steel frame elements (beams and columns). Specifically, the interaction between the steel frame and the wood panels shall ensure both horizontal and vertical bracing to floors and walls, respectively. The work presented hereafter concerns the study of the connections to be used among the individual building components of the horizontal elements, with the aim of developing an effective collaboration among the materials, maximizing the level of prefabrication and industrialization of the final components. In particular, the preliminary results of the experimental tests carried out on full-scale steel-to-timber floor specimens, loaded by in-plane actions, will be presented.
Hybrid construction systems proved to be valid structural solutions for the implementation of multi-storey buildings, especially if they require only the assembly of prefabricated and modular building elements. The structures here considered are designed to make different materials - firstly steel and timber - structurally collaborate, in order to develop a construction system with marked performance and architectonic flexibility features. Such systems can make the most of the heavily industrialized construction technology typical of steel systems, as well as of the advantages offered by CLT panels -lightness and structural stability- in which the timber element is recognized as an eco-friendly and eco-compatible material. Furthermore, in a sustainable urban development prospective, the use of cross-laminated timber panels, in short CLT, is recommended because wood is one of the fewest materials which has the capacity to isolate and store CO2 for a long period of time.
International Conference on Structures and Architecture
Research Status
Complete
Notes
July 27-29, Guimaraes, Portugal
Summary
This work concerns modern buildings with a highly prefabricated hybrid steel-timber construction system. The paper shows in detail an innovative modular structure built using standardized construction components. The floors consist of an assembly of composite steel-timber elements with flat CLT slabs, while the main structural framework is an ensemble of concentrically braced steel frames. The document presents two new construction technologies developed for the realization of ultra-light and sustainable composite floors. This study focuses particularly on the problem of the connections required to provide a flexibility-based collaboration between the steel and wooden elements. Several engineered connection solutions have been developed by considering the assembly methods and structural requirements, as well as the manufacturing time and related costs. This document discusses results obtained from an exclusive experimental campaign which includes short and long-term shear tests on connections and bending tests on prototypes of floor elements.
International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering Conference
Research Status
Complete
Notes
September 23-25, 2015, Geneva, Switzerland
Summary
This paper deals with a contemporary integrated and sustainable construction technology for new residential buildings. Specifically, this research aims at developing innovative steel-timber hybrid structures which allow a rapid assembly of the individual prefabricated components, minimizing the construction times and limiting the costs of the work. The numerical analyses performed on a multi-storey building for social housing will be presented and discussed. The in-plane behaviour of the floors and shear walls will be analysed, considering in particular the types and arrangement of the different timber- and steel-timber joints. The connections to be used among the construction elements will be selected in order to develop a sufficient stiffness, ductility and bearing capacity according to the design criteria for seismic-resistant structures. These connections allow to enhance the on-site assembly operations, therefore working effectively also under harsh climatic conditions.
