Creep Behavior of CLT Beams with Finite Thickness Layers of Flexible Adhesives

Creep behavior of Cross-Laminated-Timber (CLT) beams with a finite-thickness layer of flexible adhesives is investigated. Creep tests were carried out for all component materials as well as for the composite structure itself. Three-point bending creep tests were performed for spruce planks and for CLT beams, and uniaxial compression creep tests were performed for two flexible polyurethane adhesives: Sika(®) PS and Sika(®) PMM. All materials are characterized with the use of the three-element Generalized Maxwell Model. The results of creep tests for component materials were used in elaboration of the Finite Element (FE) model. The problem of linear theory of viscoelasticity was solved numerically with the use of the Abaqus software. Obtained results of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) are compared with experimental results.