Numerical study of connections in a hybrid high-rise timber building

Abstract

When looking at newly constructed buildings worldwide, it is clear that timber has become an important construction material. Many timber buildings have been constructed using advanced technology, creating environmentally friendly structures that also prioritize aesthetic design. However, when using timber in buildings, several aspects need to be considered, such as the difference in the behavior of materials in hybrid buildings. Timber typically has a lower stiffness than concrete or steel. This master’s thesis focuses on the total deformation of timber columns loaded parallel to the grain and how the type of connection can affect this deformation. Different types of connections are addressed, and the thesis explores how these deformations in timber columns can affect the validation of the connection type between the timber beam/slab and the concrete core. The study was conducted to determine the total deformation in a high-rise building consisting of 10 floors. Deformations were also studied as the number of floors increased to 20 and 30. This study analyzes the structural performance of four types of column connections, CBC (column-beam-column), CNC (column-notch-column), CPC (column-pillarcolumn), and CPPC (column-penetrated plate-column)—in hybrid high-rise timber buildings using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). It models these connections under various loading conditions with realistic material properties and load scenarios. The findings show that all connection types have significant strength and stiffness, with CPC connections performing the best in deformation resistance. Key factors influencing performance include dimensions, number of floors, load amount, and material type. The study highlights timber’s potential as a sustainable construction material for urban environments and suggests future research should focus on experimental validation and innovative connection techniques.