The paper discusses experimental and numerical seismic analyses of typical connections and wall systems used
in cross-laminated (X-Lam) timber buildings. An extended experimental programme on typical X-Lam
connections was performed at IVALSA Trees and Timber Institute. In addition, cyclic tests were also carried out
on full-scale single and coupled X-Lam wall panels with different configurations and mechanical connectors
subjected to lateral force. An advanced non-linear hysteretic spring to describe accurately the cyclic behaviour of
connections was implemented in ABAQUS finite element software package as an external subroutine. The FE
model with the springs calibrated on single connection tests was then used to reproduce numerically the
behaviour of X-Lam wall panels, and the results were compared with the outcomes of experimental full-scale
tests carried out at IVALSA. The developed model is suitable for evaluating dissipated energy and seismic
vulnerability of X-Lam structures.
