Multi-scale structural mechanics for the modelling of cross-laminated timber buildings

In this work we investigate the structural response of cross-laminated timber (CLT) buildings by means of a multi-scale modelling strategy. In order to determine the mechanical properties of CLT, a computational homogenisation scheme based on the volume averaging of the stress and strain fields over a representative volume element (RVE) of material is adopted. Periodic kinematical constraints are imposed on the RVE boundary domain. Here, the periodic repetition of the RVE generates the entire heterogeneous macro-continuum at each material scale. Metallic connectors between adjacent CLT panels are modelled with springs. In particular, we pay attention to the modelling of a three-storey CLT building with a view to analyse its modal response.