Assessment of experimental tests on cross-laminated timber panels as infill systems for existing structures

Timber-based infill systems are acquiring growing interest, meeting eco-friendly and eco-sustainable requirements, in a virtuous life cycle, in line with the green revolution and the ecological transition characterizing present times. This is due to the fact that timber based systems have advantageous intrinsic physical and mechanical properties, among them lightness, high strength-to-weight ratios and natural sustainability, as well as easiness of production and realization along with favourable energetic performances. In this context, the paper deals with the analysis of Cross-Laminated Timber panels (CLT), used as infill system for both new and existing framed structures, based on current scientific research. The aim is the characterization of the system, starting from the in-plane and out-of-plane behaviour of the CLT infill panels, going to the tensile and shear behaviour of connections between the panels, as well as between the panels and the frame structure, up to the analysis of the integrated frame structure-infill system. The overview presented on the experimental tests carried out to date allows the assessment of test set-up and procedures as well as of structural performances (stiffness, strength and ductility capabilities).