Validation of a structural model of a large timber truss with slotted-in steel plates and dowels

The dynamic response to time varying loads, e.g. wind loads or earthquakes, is inmany cases decisive when designing a tall timber building. The structural parameters governingthe dynamic behaviour are the mass, the damping and the stiffness. The last two parametersare not well-known at serviceability levels for timber structures in general and fortimber connections specifically. Results from forced vibration tests on single components andon a full-scale truss for an eight-storey residential building have been analyzed. In parallel,a detailed Finite Element (FE) model of a large Glulam truss with slotted-in steel plates anddowels connections has been developed and simulations have been made. The damping causedby the structural components, the embedment of fasteners and friction of mating surfaces ofcomponents in the selected connection types is quantified experimentally. The materials’ stiffnessvalues in the model were evaluated. The results from this study bring knowledge on thestructural dynamic properties of large timber structures with mechanical connections and willfacilitate the performance prediction of new tall timber buildings for better comfort at higherlevels in environmentally friendly expansions of our cities