Theme 2: Hybrid building systems – structural performance
This theme will investigate the use of traditional light-weight wood frame methods in mid-rise construction, heavier systems built with timber products and the development of innovative approaches that combine wood with other materials to create hybrid systems. Hybrid construction systems integrate different materials to carry specific design loads. Connection and joint details are crucial for hybrid structures and all results should be substantiated by experimental work. This will require the development of construction technologies that will allow wood-based products to be used alone or in combination with other structural materials in these applications, leading to the attainment of all key building code objectives.
Theme 2 Leaders:
| Dr. Siegfried F. Stiemer | University of British Columbia |
| Dr. Ian Smith (2010-2012) | University of New Brunswick |
| Mr. Conroy Lum | FPInnovations |
PROJECT T2–1–C4: TECHNIQUES FOR FORMING MULTI-FUNCTIONAL CONSTRUCTION INTERFACES IN HYBRID-BUILDINGS
This project will identify and investigate a range of combinations of feasible interfacing material system and develop them in the context of wood and hybrid buildings. The intent is to emphasize interactions between architects and engineers and persuade them to implement the best ideas in demonstration projects. FPInnovations and the Canadian Wood Council will transfer the developed systems to industry by creating awareness amongst professional design and regulatory bodies.
| Lead Investigator: | Dr. Ian Smith, University of New Brunswick Dr. Ghasan Doudak, University of Ottawa |
| HQP (PDF): | Dr. Jan Weckendorf (2010-2012) |
| HQP (PhD): | Mohammad Mehdi Ebadi (2012-2014) |
| HQP (MSc): | Ebenezer Ussher (2013-2014) |
| HQP (PhD): | Masoud Sadeghi (2013-2014) |
| FPInnovations Co-Investigator: | Dr. Mohammad Mohammad, Dr. Jieying Wan, Dr. Marjan Popovski, Dr. Steve Craft (2010-2011), Mr. Sylvain Gagnon |
| Industrial collaborator: | Trevor Nightingale, National Research Council Andrea Frangi, ETH-Zurich, Switzerland Andi Asiz, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd Univ., Saudi Arabia |
PROJECT T2–2–C4: NICHE FOR AND FEASIBILITY OF RC-FRAME MULTI-MATERIAL MID-RISE HYBRID
The objective of this project is to develop practical hybrid light-wood-frame/concrete structures and floor systems that are cost-effective and readily constructed to meet Limit State Design requirements, including serviceability, ultimate and durability. Specific tasks of the project are to identify appropriate design and construction requirements of hybrid systems. Extensive nonlinear dynamic analysis will be carried out to limit stress concentration due to interaction between different structural members of different material types, and to provide recommendations for future design.
| Lead Investigator: | Dr. Mike Bartlett, Western University Dr. Hanping Hong, Western University |
| HQP (MSc): | Mr. Jeff Blaylock, MEng (2010-2011) |
| THESIS: WOOD INFILL WALLS IN REINFORCED CONCRETE FRAME STRUCTURES: A WOOD/CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION NICHE DOWNLOAD: Absract | |
| HQP (PhD): | Ms. Trish Wilbur (2012-2014) |
| FPInnovations Co-Investigator: | Mr. Sylvain Gagnon |
PROJECT T2–3–C4: NICHE FOR AND FEASIBILITY OF STEEL-FRAME MULTI-MATERIAL MID-RISE HYBRID SYSTEMS
The objectives of this project are to enable construction of mid-rise buildings using steel-wood building systems and to provide technical tools to predict structural responses of hybrid systems. Design principles on strength and serviceability performance of hybrid buildings will be developed based on the research results.
| Lead Investigator: | Dr. Siegfried Stiemer, University of British Columbia Dr. Solomon Tesfamariam, UBC Okanagan |
| HQP (PhD): | Mr. Johannes Schneider (2010-2012) |
| HQP (MSc): | Ms. Carla Dickof (2012-2013) |
| HQP (MSc): | Mr. Matiyas Ayalew (2012-2013) |
| FPInnovations Co-Investigator: | Dr. Marjan Popovski & Dr. Steve Craft (2010-2011) |
| Industrial collaborator: | Empire Dynamic Structures TU Darmstadt, Germany |
PROJECT T2–4–C3: INNOVATIVE POST-TENSION COMPOSITE SYSTEMS FOR LONG-SPAN FLOOR CONSTRUCTION
The objective of the proposed research is to develop and validate a method of extending the span of timber beams through composite action with the floor slab and longitudinal post-tensioning. The research will focus on primary system parameters; with a target range of spans and girder spacing, and develop an effective means of connecting full-depth precast concrete slabs to timber girders. It is necessary to develop and validate an effective means of connecting adjacent full-depth precast concrete panels by testing samples with tension and longitudinal bending specimens of high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete with anchorage details for post-tensioning steel.
| Lead Investigator: | Dr. Paul Gauvreau, University of Toronto Dr. Paul Cooper, University of Toronto |
| HQP (MSc): | Mr. Chao Zhang (2010-2011) |
| HQP (MSc): | Mengyuan Chen (2013-2014) |
| FPInnovations Co-Investigator: | Mr. Sylvain Gagnon |
| Industrial collaborator: | Moses Structural Engineers Inc |
PROJECT T2–5–C2: PREDICTING LATERAL DRIFT AND NATURAL PERIOD OF MID-RISE WOOD AND HYBRID BUILDINGS
There is a need to develop and confirm the analytical approach for calculating deflection of a mid-rise structure. There is also a need to predict the natural period of mid-rise wood and hybrid buildings under seismic and dynamic wind loads. The objective of this project is to develop a data base of in-situ measurements of natural frequencies and internal damping of wood light-frame constructions and hybrid structures to derive appropriate predictive models.
| Lead Investigator: | Dr. Ghyslaine McClure, McGill University Dr. Ying-Hei Chui, University of New Brunswick Dr. Ghasan Doudak, University of Ottawa |
| HQP (MSc): | Ms Nidaa Alwan, UOttawa (2010-2011) |
| HQP (PhD): | Ms. Ghazanfarah Hafeez, UOttawa (2012-2014) |
| FPInnovations Co-Investigator: | Dr. Lin Hu & Dr. Chun Ni |
| Industrial collaborator: | Canadian Wood Council |
PROJECT T2–6–C3: DIAPHRAGM ACTION IN LIGHT WOOD FRAME PLATFORM CONSTRUCTION
The assumption of rigid versus flexible diaphragms influences the distribution of forces into the wall systems with a strong influence on the performance of the building. There are few studies conducted on the behavior of light wood frame diaphragms. The objective of this project is to quantify the behavior of a light wood frame diaphragm in terms of its stiffness within a system by using computer modeling of the system to study the performance of the diaphragm.
| Lead Investigator: | Dr. Frank Lam, University of British Columbia |
| HQP (MSc): | Ms. Xinlei Huang, MSc (2010-2011) |
| THESIS: DIAPHRAGM STIFFNESS IN WOOD-FRAME CONSTRUCTION DOWNLOAD: Absract | |
| FPInnovations Co-Investigator: | Dr. Chun Ni |
| Industrial collaborator: | Canadian Wood Council |
PROJECT T2–7–C3: DIAPHRAGM ACTION IN HEAVY-FRAME SYSTEMS
The objectives of this research are to (a) develop a wood-based horizontal diaphragm system for tall buildings, (b) characterize the complete (nonlinear) load deflection response of the proposed system, (c) develop and validate analytical tools to predict the behaviour of the proposed system under load, (d) draft relevant provisions for design standards and (e) develop and articulate design concepts for practicing engineers.
| Lead Investigator: | Dr. Ian Smith, University of New Brunswick |
| HQP (PhD): | Mr. Zhilei Ma (2012-2014) |
| FPInnovations Co-Investigator: | Dr. Marjan Popovski |
| Industrial collaborator: | Andi Asiz, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd U, Saudi Arabia, Andrea Frangi, ETH-Zurich, Switzerland, Maurizio Piazza, U Trento, Italy, Gary Williams, Timber Systems Limited |
PROJECT T2–8–C4: DEVELOPMENT OF HYBRID BRACING SOLUTIONS FOR LIGHT-WOOD FRAME BUILDINGS
The objective of this project is to offer engineering design specifications for alternative bracing solutions for light wood-frame buildings. This project will generate engineering design specifications and construction details for wood-based portal frame that can be incorporated into wood design standards and building codes and acknowledge the shear forces permitted by gypsum wallboard to cover 5-6 storey wood frame buildings. This project will also study the interaction between the alternative bracing solutions when used concurrently in the same structure.
| Lead Investigator: | Dr. Ying-Hei Chui, University of New Brunswick |
| HQP (PDF): | Dr. Andi Asiz (2011) |
| HQP (PDF): | Dr. Zhiyong Chen (2012) |
| FPInnovations Co-Investigator: | Dr. Mohammad Mohammad & Dr. Chun Ni |
| Industrial collaborator: | Canadian Wood Council |
PROJECT T2–9–C6: STRUCTURAL RESPONSE OF MID-RISE HYBRID BUILDING SYSTEM CONSISTING OF A LIGHT WOOD FRAME STRUCTURE AND STIFF CORE
The objective of this project is to study the interaction between a rigid core and light wood frame sub-systems when both are present in a mid-rise building under moisture and seismic loads. Specifically, the project will examine the forces exerted on the connection system due to relative shrinkage movement, and interaction of the two sub-systems under seismic load when the two sub-systems are connected. Relative movement of the two sub-systems when they are unconnected will also be examined (updated).
| Lead Investigator: | Dr. Ying-Hei Chui, University of New Brunswick |
| HQP (PhD): | Ms Lina Zhou (2010-2012) |
| FPInnovations Co-Investigator: | Dr. Chun Ni |
| Industrial collaborator: | Grant Newfield, Read Jones Christoffersen Thomas Leung, Thomas Leung Structural Engineering |
PROJECT T2–10–C6: MOVEMENTS AND DEFORMATION INCOMPATIBILITIES OF MATERIALS IN TIMBER HEAVY-FRAME HYBRID NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
The objective of this project is to identify and develop design and fabrication/construction practices and counter measures that eliminate, or mitigate, possible long- or short-term problems in timber heavy-frame buildings that result from material incompatibility. Specific objectives are to define factors (e.g. moisture, creep, shakedown, foundation settlement) and study interactions between the effects of factors that lead to unwanted movements in buildings, as well as develop numerical models to predict the effects of material incompatibilities, and assess the movements of glulam members due to the various effects.
| Lead Investigator: | Dr. Ian Smith, University of New Brunswick |
| HQP (PhD): | Mr. Henry Meleki (2010-2012) |
| FPInnovations Co-Investigator: | Dr. Mohammad Mohammad & Mr. Sylvain Gagnon |
| Industrial collaborator: | Julie Frappier, Nordic Engineered Wood J. David Bowick, Blackwell Bowick Partnership Limited Andi Asiz, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd U, Saudi |
PROJECT T2–13–C3: EXPERIMENTAL SOLUTIONS FOR ALTERNATIVE BRACING SYSTEMS IN LIGHT-WOOD FRAME BUILDINGS
The objective of this project is to develop a better understanding of the interaction between light frame shearwalls and alternative bracing solutions for light wood frame buildings. Establishing such test procedure will provide a possibility for modifying the design and detailing of the portal frame to achieve criteria that would allow these systems to be used interchangeably with light frame wood shearwall systems.
| Lead Investigator: | Dr. Ghasan Doudak, University of Ottawa |
| HQP (MSc): | Mr. Abdullah Al Mamun, MSc (2010-2011) |
| THESIS: Investigating the Performance of Wood Portal Frames as Alternative Bracing Systems in Light-Frame Wood Buildings DOWNLOAD: Absract | |
| FPInnovations Co-Investigator: | Dr. Chun Ni & Dr. Mohammad Mohammad |
