Performance and Optimization of Timber Assemblies Subjected to Near-Field Dynamic Loads

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Developments in design provisions, improvements in engineered wood products, along with the need for sustainable structures have led to a shift in the public's perspective regarding the use of wood in construction. Wood is no longer limited to low-rise construction, and is now used by engineers for mid- and high-rise construction. Due to their lightweight and modular nature, wood structures can be quickly built on-site, making their application appealing as temporary military shelters, and disaster relief stemming from natural and anthropogenic events. Published studies by the applicant have impacted blast-related design code requirements and provisions; however, more research is needed to understand the behaviour of timber structures under hazardous loading events. The overarching objective of this research program is to understand and mitigate hazards associated with impacts, near-field and contact blast loads, and ballistics, referred to as near-field dynamic loads, on timber structures. This objective will be achieved through experimental and computational studies by developing innovative and effective strengthening techniques for easily deployable modular timber structures. The research program will generate new insights into effective force protection design of timber structures and will form the foundation of research training of multiple HQP. The focus of the research program will be on establishing the behaviour and design provisions of timber members and connections, both in isolation and within assemblies, under near-field dynamic loads. The analytical component of the proposed research program will include the development of material-predictive and dynamic analysis models. The models will be used for parametric studies of timber structures subjected to near-field dynamic loads, and damage predictions under these conditions. This research will support the growth of Canada's construction and forestry sectors, which account for 10% of Canada's GDP. An increase in use of timber from sustainably managed forests will aid in the reduction of CO2 emissions from the construction sector, which currently accounts for 39% of global carbon emissions. The research program will significantly contribute to the field of force protection design of timber structures. Specifically, the results from the research will aid in the development and refinement of new and existing design provisions for near-field dynamic loads. Quantification of the dynamic effects and establishing the localized and system-level failure modes will contribute to significant developments in the field. Developed and validated modelling tools will allow designers to properly assess the structural vulnerabilities of timber structures without the need for costly full-scale experimentations. Furthering the knowledge on the behaviour of timber structures under extreme loads will improve public safety whilst developing experienced professionals for the Canadian workforce.