Dynamic Performance of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) Floor Panel Using Poplar (Populus Alba)

Abstract

The construction industry has long relied on spruce and pine timber due to their mechanical strength and durability. Although these species dominate the wood market, their long growth cycles make it difficult to satisfy the increasing demand for sustainable construction materials. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) enhances the mechanical properties of weaker timbers, allowing lower-performing fast-growing species to meet commercial standards. It mitigates the challenges of integrating fast-growing timber into the market, thereby meeting construction resource-efficiency and sustainability goals. This study investigates the potential of using poplar, a widely abundant, fast-growing timber species, as an alternative for CLT construction. The study aims to model the structural behaviour of poplar CLT panels, validate the model against experimental results, and evaluate compliance with Eurocode 5. The behaviour of poplar CLT panels was simulated using finite element modelling for static and dynamic loads with a focus on deflection, stiffness, natural frequencies, and mode shapes. Validation was performed using experimental data from prior studies. The findings show that poplar CLT panels exhibit commendable mechanical and dynamic performance, meeting Eurocode 5 requirements for impulse velocity response, although static deflection levels still require further improvement for full compliance. The research also shows that using poplar for construction materials is feasible, which can help broaden the scope of the timber market and reduce dependence on slow-growing species.