To support the associated Sir Matthew Begbie Elementary School and Bayview Elementary School projects in pushing the boundaries forward for long-span floor and roof construction, this testing project aims to compare different connection approaches for composite connections between glulam and cross-laminated timber (CLT) – for vibration, stiffness, and strength.

Project Essentials

  • LocationPrince George, BC
  • PartnerThomas Tannert, University of Northern British Columbia
  • TypeTesting Program
  • FundingGreen Construction through Wood (GCWood) Low-rise Commercial/ Industrial/ Office/ Institutional
  • ProjectSir Matthew Begbie Elementary School, Bayview Elementary School

Working with the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), Fast + Epp aimed to complete a series of vibration and monotonic load tests on 30’ long full-scale double-T ribbed panels. The tests consisted of screws in withdrawal, screws in shear, and nominal screws clamping with glue. Both the strength and stiffness are of interest, including slip stiffness of each connection type.

This physical testing was completed in January and February 2020, where the full composite strength of each system was reached. Initial data analysis has provided information for comparison with existing models for shear connection stiffness.

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