Researchers Test New Material for Lightweight Sustainable Bridge Decks
Posted: Jul 8, 2021
Researchers at Colorado State University are testing an innovative building material for its suitability in building lightweight sustainable bridges. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is a sustainable, lightweight, high-strength versatile building material that has been used in Europe but has not been tested for use in floors, roofs, or bridge decks in earthquake prone areas of the United States. The CLT diaphragm test conducted by MPC researchers is a step toward understanding the behavior of CLT diaphragms under seismic loading. The results and method will allow for better modeling and validation of models for CLT bridge decks constructed/designed using CLT and subjected to lateral loads such as earthquakes.
John W. van de Lindt, Ph.D. Colorado State University
Researchers at Colorado State University are testing an innovative building material for its suitability in building lightweight sustainable bridges. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is a sustainable, lightweight, high-strength versatile building material that has been used in Europe but has not been tested for use in floors, roofs, or bridge decks in earthquake prone areas of the United States. The CLT diaphragm test conducted by MPC researchers is a step toward understanding the behavior of CLT diaphragms under seismic loading. The results and method will allow for better modeling and validation of models for CLT bridge decks constructed/designed using CLT and subjected to lateral loads such as earthquakes.