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Development of an Environmentally Friendly Steel Structural Framework: Evaluation of Bending Stiffness and Yield Bending Moment of Cross-Laminated Timber Slab–H-Shaped Steel Composite Beams for Component Reuse

Author

Listed:
  • Sachi Furukawa

    (Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka 558-8585, Japan
    Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579, Japan)

  • Ryohei Iwami

    (KEN KEN Co., Ltd., Tokyo 103-0012, Japan)

  • Yoshihiro Kimura

    (Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579, Japan)

Abstract

The building and construction sector accounts for nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with steel-framed buildings being a significant contributor due to high CO 2 emissions during production. To mitigate this issue, integrating Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) into structural systems has emerged as a sustainable alternative. CLT, known for its carbon sequestration properties, offers an environmentally friendly replacement for reinforced-concrete slabs, particularly when paired with steel structures to enhance material reuse and reduce lifecycle impacts. This study focuses on hybrid systems combining H-shaped steel beams and CLT floor panels connected using high-strength friction bolts. A four-point bending test, simulating a secondary beam, was conducted, demonstrating that the composite effect significantly enhances flexural stiffness and strength. Additionally, a simplified method for evaluating the flexural stiffness and yielding strength of these composite beams, based on material and joint properties, was shown to successfully evaluate the test results.

Suggested Citation

  • Sachi Furukawa & Ryohei Iwami & Yoshihiro Kimura, 2025. "Development of an Environmentally Friendly Steel Structural Framework: Evaluation of Bending Stiffness and Yield Bending Moment of Cross-Laminated Timber Slab–H-Shaped Steel Composite Beams for Compon," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-31, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:5:p:2073-:d:1601659
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Chiara Piccardo & Camille Steinik & Simone Caffè & Alessio Argentoni & Chiara Calderini, 2024. "Primary Energy and Carbon Impacts of Structural Frames with Equivalent Design Criteria: Influence of Different Materials and Levels of Prefabrication," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-22, May.
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