Composite Laminated Panel (CLP) is a novel multi-layer mass timber product that enhances the performance of cross laminated timber (CLT) by replacing dimension lumber with structural composite lumber—such as laminated strand lumber (LSL)—in core or face layers, thereby mitigating rolling shear failure and improving flexural performance. This study investigated the shear behaviour of CLP connections using self-tapping screws through a comprehensive experimental program consisting of monotonic and reversed-cyclic loading tests on 60 specimens comprising various layups and configurations. Key mechanical parameters, including elastic stiffness, yield load, peak loads, slip at characteristic load levels and ductility, were evaluated. Additionally, strength degradation under cyclic loading was also examined. The results indicate that CLP configurations with LSL face layers exhibited substantial increases in stiffness and strength; however, this was accompanied by reduced ductility. Under cyclic loading, all specimens demonstrated stable strength retention of approximately 85%, though their stiffness responses diverged; lower-density lumber configurations exhibited a stiffening effect due to fibre densification, whereas high-density LSL face layer configurations experienced stiffness degradation. Analytical comparisons with Eurocode 5 indicate that current design provisions require density-based correction factors to accurately predict the capacity and stiffness of CLP connections.
Zhang et al. (Tue,) studied this question.