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Feujofack Kemda, Blériot Vincent

University of British Columbia

This dissertation explores the structural performance and predictive modeling of hybrid steel-grout connectors for cross-laminated timber panels, addressing critical challenges in mass construction. The hybrid connector consists of a thick layer of epoxy-based grout that surrounds a steel rod. A comprehensive experimental investigation was conducted on key materials— Canadian small clear spruce-pine-fir wood, epoxy-based grout, and steel rods—yielding a robust dataset that informs the mechanical properties essential for connector design. Advanced constitutive models were developed using continuum damage mechanics to capture the unique behaviors of these materials under various loading conditions. Structural performance evaluations through monotonic and cyclic testing revealed significant correlations between connector geometry and loading direction, highlighting the influence of rod and grout diameters on strength and stiffness. Finite-element modeling provided insights into the mechanical behavior of connectors, enabling the prediction of performance parameters across multiple loading angles. An analytical model based on Beam on Elastic Foundation theory effectively correlated experimental results with theoretical predictions, emphasizing the critical role of grout properties in determining elastic stiffness. Furthermore, machine learning techniques were employed to predict secant stiffness and residual slip of hybrid connectors when subjected to cyclic loads, showcasing the power of deep neural networks in modeling complex interactions between material properties and performance metrics. The research culminates in the development of predictive equations that facilitate the design and optimization of hybrid connectors, ultimately contributing to the advancement of mass timber structures in sustainable construction practices.

Text

2025-05-01

Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/90939

Forestry

University of British Columbia

UBCV

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/