Experimental Modal Analysis and variability assessment in Cross-laminated Timber
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) plays a crucial role in understanding the dynamic responses of structures to vibration by extracting their modal parameters such as natural frequencies and modal damping and vibration modes . These parameters are essential for assessing structural performance and identifying potential vulnerabilities. As the construction industry embraces sustainable materials, Cross-laminated Timber (CLT) has become a sustainable alternative to traditional materials like reinforced concrete and steel. However, the inherent variability of wood, resulting from factors such as growth conditions, fibre structure, and moisture content , introduces significant fluctuations in the dynamic response of CLT. This variability presents challenges in the broader application of CLT in construction. Despite its increasing use in multistory buildings, a comprehensive assessment of its vibrational characteristics remains incomplete. This study addresses this gap by identifying the dispersion in CLT’s transfer functions and modal parameters through EMA. A CLT slab was divided into 24 nominally identical beam-like substructures, composed of outer layers of Norway spruce and a middle layer of Scots pine . EMA was performed in a broad frequency spectrum along three principal directions , revealing notable variability in resonance frequencies , modal damping, and vibration transfer functions. The study also examines the distinct characteristics of the bending, torsional, and axial vibration modes , providing deeper insights into the variability between the different modes. The findings of this article contribute to a more refined understanding of the dynamic properties of CLT and their associated variability.
Authors: Benjamin Bondsman, Andrew Peplow
Institution: Lund University
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,730
OpenAlex ID: W4407856719