Pres-Lam Buildings: State-of-the-Art

Abstract

Post-tensioned timber (Pres-Lam) buildings have been constructed throughout the world, beginning in 2010. The technology, which originated from low-damage concrete building applications, relies on unbonded post-tensioning tendons to provide moment capacity to beam–column, wall–foundation, or column–foundation connections. Supplemental energy dissipation can be introduced by the inclusion of mild steel bars or replaceable damping devices when designing buildings for high-seismic-risk areas. Given the increasing demand for multistory timber buildings in high seismic zones, the Pres-Lam system is recognized worldwide as one of many efficient solutions for achieving seismic-resilient and sustainable structures. This paper presents an overview of the current state-of-the-art of the Pres-Lam system, including experimental campaigns, numerical and analytical modeling, and operating buildings as well as design procedures and design procurement.