Theses and Dissertations

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4544-5308

Advisor

Mohammadabadi, Mostafa

Committee Member

Seale, Daniel R.

Committee Member

El Barbary, Hassan

Committee Member

Freyne, Seamus

Committee Member

Shmulsky, Rubin

Date of Degree

5-16-2025

Original embargo terms

Visible MSU Only 1 year

Document Type

Dissertation - Campus Access Only

Major

Forest Resources (Sustainable Bioproducts)

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Forest Resources

Department

Department of Sustainable Bioproducts

Abstract

This study investigates the integration of small-diameter trees (SDT) into cross-laminated timber by developing cellular cross-laminated timber (CCLT) with corrugated panels in the transverse mid-layer. This innovation addresses sustainable building material demands while mitigating forest fire risks associated with SDT. The research progressed through three phases. First, parametric linear finite element modelling (FEM) examined corrugated geometry's influence on CCLT flexural stiffness. Based on these findings and manufacturing constraints, an optimal geometry was designed and fabricated. Experimental testing validated the FEM predictions and demonstrated CCLT's superior normalized modulus of elasticity by density compared to conventional cross-laminated timber (CLT). Second, using modified planar shear tests, various fabrication parameters of the corrugation panel were evaluated. Two optimized parameter combinations yielded remarkable shear strength improvements of 65% and 125% over baseline configurations. Finally, a nonlinear finite element model was developed and validated that assessed the influence of geometric parameters of corrugated panels on CCLT's structural performance under bending and shear loads. Based on these findings, CCLT panels with the optimized design corrugated geometry were fabricated that exceeded ANSI/APA PRG-320 standards for shear strength and bending stiffness for CLT. This research demonstrates the viability of transforming underutilized SDT into high-performance engineered wood products for sustainable construction applications.

Download

Share

COinS