A current-state-of-the-art on design rules vs test resistance of cross laminated timber members subjected to transverse loading

Cross laminated timber (CLT) is an innovative and environmentally sustainable engineered timber product which has superior in-plane and out-of-plane bending strength compared to other conventional timber products. CLT panels can be used as both wall and floor elements in low-rise to mid-rise construction. Nevertheless, both shear and bending strength (along with other material properties as well) of CLT panels can vary significantly depending on the species used to manufacture these products. As a result, in-depth research with respect to the variations in bending and shear properties of CLT panels from different parts of the world is required in order to generate a common standard. However, no standardised design procedures for CLT can be found in the open literature, at this stage. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate various available design rules outlined in Eurocode, North American standards, Chinese standards and handbooks for CLT in regards to in-plane and out-of-plane bending and shear design of panels subjected to transverse loading. In addition to the theoretical review, available testing standards to obtain relevant characteristic properties have been included. Lastly, the ultimate limit states design method based on different theoretical models available for CLT elements subjected to transverse loading (such as, gamma method, k-method, shear analogy method, representative volume sub-element (RVSE) method and in-plane beam method) are also discussed and summarized at the end.