Vibration serviceability design methods for cross laminated timber (CLT) floors

Abstract

Cross laminated timber (CLT) is an innovative engineering wood product made by gluing layers of solid timber boards placed in orthogonally alternating orientation to the neighbouring layers. CLT panels provide an efficient solution for floors in single- and multi- storey buildings. Due to the light-weight and often long-span, design of these floors is generally governed by serviceability limit state criteria, that is deflection or vibration limits. Floor vibrations induced by dynamic actions, such as people walking, do not result in structural failure but may cause discomfort of occupants if the vibrations are not properly controlled. This paper gives an overview of some available methods for vibration serviceability design of residential CLT floors. Differences in considered parameters and limit values of these methods are discussed.