This research involves testing for a new structural system based on CLT (cross-laminated timber) panels to provide taller, economical and more useful timber high-rise buildings. The point of difference of the system compared to recently constructed CLT high-rise buildings is a central core which is comprised of vertically aligned but integrated CLT panels. The central core, which runs the full height of the building, is effectively a very large vertical cantilever with a rectangular hollow section, and is the main element for resisting lateral forces. This arrangement produces taller timber buildings with more open floor areas. For seismic events, the core is designed to a ‘damage avoidance philosophy’, to re-centre, and to minimise costs of building repair. The testing reported in the paper is for the ‘fuse’ connections of the core to the foundations which are designed to be ‘replaced in place’ and provide the required ductility to the timber which is a nonductile building material.
