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MASS TIMBER CONNECTIONS

Designing mass timber lateral load resisting systems (LLRS) in seismic regions is challenging. As a result, most mass timber buildings use steel frames or concrete cores. Tectonus was founded by world-renowned experts in seismic design of mass timber LLRS. We have the experience, design skills and technology to help realize all-timber buildings.  

“Based on my 30 years' experience designing timber structures, I can see no better seismic solution for mass timber wall hold downs than Tectonus. Damping, ductility, and recentering in a compact package that is also simple to install on site.”

ROBERT MALCZYK

Principal, Timber Engineering

Mass timber structures - seismic challenges

Mass timber buildings have the advantage of lower mass and reduced seismic forces. However mass timber LLRS does present some unique challenges:

  • Lower ductility. Mass timber is less ductile than concrete and steel and the members are brittle. 
  • Connection detailing. Improperly designed or executed connections can result in reduced seismic performance. 
  • Failure modes. Mass timber fails differently. For example split beams, broken dowels. 
  • Sacrificial connections. Conventional timber connectors yield to provide ductility, losing their ability to withstand aftershocks. 
Tectonus - CLT Shear Walls - Img 2
Tectonus know-how and technology was developed specifically to address these challenges. 
SEISMIC SOLUTIONS FOR MASS TIMBER We are structural designers as well as technology developers. Our capabilities in mass timber include:
Engineering design of mass timber structures
Mass timber connection detailing
Damping and self centering seismic devices
Linear and non linear design modelling and analysis

Case Study - The Hive

Tectonus worked with Fast + Epp to come up with a viable design for this 10-storey all-timber braced frame building in Vancouver, Canada. 

The original design using yielding perforated plates could not be proven to withstand site-specific seismic loads in lab testing. 

Featuring glulam braces and CLT shear walls paired with self-centering Tectonus connections, the project is set to become the benchmark in sustainable and resilient design of mass timber buildings. 

Keith drive progress
DEMONSTRATED OUTCOMES In a 3-storey timber CLT shear wall office building completed in Vancouver, Canada.
1.5% Design Drift
3.0 Rd
1.2 Ro
684kN Reduced Base Shear

Mass Timber Applications

Tectonus seismic dampers are used in place of conventional timber connections, adding ductility, damping and self-centering all in one. They can be applied in braces, shear walls and columns, with flexible capacities from 50 to 5,000kN (10 to 1125kips).
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Timber Braces
Timber Braces
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Timber Shearwalls
Timber Shearwalls
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Timber Columns
Timber Columns
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How can we help?

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