Thesis Proposals

Lateral behaviour of coupled CLT shear walls

The master’s thesis endeavors to comprehensively investigate the lateral behavior of coupled cross-laminated timber (CLT) shear walls. Shear walls play a vital role in transmitting lateral loads within structures, and the coupling of these walls introduces additional complexity to their behavior. Focusing on timber structures, this study aims to unravel the intricate response of coupled CLT shear walls under lateral loading. The research encompasses a thorough literature review, rigorous analytical exploration of the coupled shear wall behavior, and meticulous numerical analysis of load-deformation characteristics utilizing sophisticated software tools such as ABAQUS or SAP2000. By delving into this significant aspect of structural engineering, the thesis aims to contribute valuable insights to the design and understanding of timber-based lateral load-resisting systems.

In-plane behaviour of CLT floor diaphragms

The master’s thesis aims to investigate the behaviour of floor diaphragms in timber structures, specifically focusing on cross-laminated timber (CLT) structures. Floor diaphragms play a critical role in transmitting horizontal loads within buildings, influenced by their stiffness relative to support elements. This study aims to address the behaviour of CLT floor diaphragms, exploring their in-plane stiffness. The research involves literature review, analytical examination of CLT floor diaphragms in-plane behavioru, and numerical analysis of load-deformation behaviour using software tools like ABAQUS or SAP2000.

Floor-wall interaction in segmented CLT shear walls

This master’s thesis aims to explore the interaction between floors and segmented Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) shear walls within lateral load-resisting systems. The focus is on understanding how the connection between floor systems and shear walls influences lateral load distribution, deformation patterns, and overall energy dissipation capacity. The research will address questions related to connection stiffnesses, geometries, and their impact on the stability and performance of segmented CLT shear walls under lateral loads. Through a combination of literature review, analytical investigation, and numerical analysis, the thesis seeks to provide valuable mechanical models to consider the effects of the interactions between floors and segmented shear walls in the design of CLT buildings, contributing to safer and more efficient timber-based structures.