| Since the development of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), there has been a surge in interest in massive timber buildings. Furthermore, recent conceptual and feasibility designs of massive timber towers of 30 or more stories indicate that performance of mass timber structural elements can compete with other building materials in the commercial industry (MGB Architecture and Design et al.). However, in order for massive timber to penetrate the commercial market even further, a solution is needed for long-span massive timber floor systems. Unfortunately, CLT falls short in this area and is unable to span long distances. The hollow massive timber (HMT) panel presented in this thesis offers one potential long-span solution.;Optimal panel geometries and wood properties were investigated through several numerical parametric studies in which each variable related to the structural properties was analyzed. It was established that two 3-ply flanges be used with an unbalanced orientation - double outside layer of Grade ;By varying the depth of the final recommended panel, it is possible to achieve spans between 30 to 50 feet, which is more than adequate as a long-span solution. In addition to span, other important design requirements were considered, such as fire and acoustical performance, as well as constructability. In the end, the recommended HMT panel retained many benefits of CLT, while improving upon many of its shortcomings. |
