Predicting rolling shear failure of cross-laminated panels using a multiscale domain decomposition approach

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is gaining popularity as a sustainable building material due to its favorable structural performance and low environmental impact. This study introduces a multiscale domain decomposition method, known as the LaTIn strategy, to predict the out-of-plane behavior and failure of CLT panels. The proposed approach incorporates cohesive zone models to capture inter- and intralaminar damage using a cohesive parameter identification based on strength values reported in the literature. By aligning domain partitioning with principal stress directions and leveraging parallel computations, the method reduces degrees of freedom and the number of subdomains by up to 55% and 70%, respectively. Additional algorithmic enhancements allow for a 70% reduction of iterations. Validation with experimental data confirms the model’s ability to predict rolling shear failure with high accuracy. These results demonstrate the potential of the strategy for efficient and reliable simulation of timber structures, in line with the needs of multiscale nonlinear analysis in structural engineering.