Solutions for edge connections to build two-way Spanning cross laminated Timber Slabs

Two-way spanning slabs made of cross laminated timber (CLT) require a rigid connection of the single elements. In particular for point-supported flat slabs this connection is necessary to enable spans that exceed the transport related width of the single CLT-elements. The paper shows solutions how this connection could be designed and realized. In addition to the load-bearing capacity, especially the rotational stiffness is a crucial factor for the edge connection. A
certain stiffness is needed to meet the requirements of a floor in terms of serviceability. To determine the load-bearing capacity and stiffness, four-point bending tests were performed on different types of possible edge connection solutions. The investigations revealed two connection types that meet the specified criteria without on-site gluing. One approach consists of a timber-concrete-composite system. Here, reinforcing bars are glued into the narrow surface of the CLT element and the gap between the adjacent CLT-elements is then casted on-site. A second, completely dry application is to use a system connector with serrated steel plates. This serration ensures the force transmission between the CLTelements by the connector. ... mehrIn addition to the results of these two types, also further options for the edge connection are presented.