Stability of Cross-Laminated Timber Structures

[wolfram]

I’m using RFEM 6 and add-on for CLT structures. I know that this add-on does not calculate stability (buckling) directly. Which options do we have to check buckling of walls within the model? The same goes for fire combinations which are a lot of times critical.

[gerhard.rehm]

Hello Wolfram,

the easiest way is to determine the eigenmode with the structural stability and then apply it as an imperfection. The internal forces according to second-order theory as well as the applied imperfection include the stability check for the stress verification. You can find more information here:

• Stability consideration of planar components: e.g., cross-laminated timber wall 1
• Stability consideration of planar components: e.g., cross-laminated timber wall 2
• Stability consideration of planar components: e.g., cross-laminated timber wall 3

[wolfram]

Thank you. That means I need the Structure Stability add-on? Could I manually input imperfection and then check the stresses after 2nd order theory analysis?

[gerhard.rehm]

Alternatively you can use equivalent loads or create a load case and apply loads to get the buckling shape. For latest you can then take this deformation shape and assign the imperfection: