Fast + Epp’s Concept Lab conducted a series of tests on concrete precast UHPFRC nodes for the application of timber structures. The tested variables tested for the nodes included the width, length, and depth, as well as of the corbels in addition to the presence of a lower column stub.
The test results show the high potential for utilizing UHPFRC nodes in mass timber industry buildings with significantly lower costs compared to the conventional metallic column and beam connections. The experimental results were also validated using finite-element modeling (FEM) using ABAQUS software package, followed by an extensive parametric study. Analytical models were proposed to predict the load capacity of the nodes based on the parametric study.
The precast UHPFRC nodes were developed in this research project. This will enable the designers and practitioners to implement such nodes in future mass timber projects and address the concerns of fire resistance and ease of installation.
Conference Papers
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