Recent advances in the use of mass-timber systems in contemporary buildings have made Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) one of the most environmentally attractive materials for structural applications. Considerable progress has been made in understanding the fire resistance and seismic behavior of CLT structures; however, their response to accidental extreme loads, especially blast loading, remains insufficiently addressed. This study presents a comprehensive state-of-the-art review of the response of CLT structural elements and systems subjected to blast loading, covering experimental, analytical, and numerical investigations. Fundamental characteristics of blast loading and structural dynamic response are also reviewed. Special attention is given to dominant failure modes, including rolling shear, delamination, tensile failure, and localized crushing, which are influenced by the layered configuration of CLT panels. Experimental studies based on shock-tube and field-blast tests are reviewed, with emphasis on the effects of panel configuration, connections, and retrofitting strategies. Current modeling practices, including finite element analysis and equivalent single-degree-of-freedom approaches, are critically examined. Literature synthesis identifies major knowledge gaps, including the lack of standardized material models, limited experimental data, and insufficient design-oriented analytical tools. Finally, future research directions are outlined to support the development of performance-based blast-resistant design methodologies for mass-timber structures.
A review of the blast behavior of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) structures
Majumder, Arnas;Stepinac, Mislav;Stochino, Flavio
2026-01-01
Abstract
Recent advances in the use of mass-timber systems in contemporary buildings have made Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) one of the most environmentally attractive materials for structural applications. Considerable progress has been made in understanding the fire resistance and seismic behavior of CLT structures; however, their response to accidental extreme loads, especially blast loading, remains insufficiently addressed. This study presents a comprehensive state-of-the-art review of the response of CLT structural elements and systems subjected to blast loading, covering experimental, analytical, and numerical investigations. Fundamental characteristics of blast loading and structural dynamic response are also reviewed. Special attention is given to dominant failure modes, including rolling shear, delamination, tensile failure, and localized crushing, which are influenced by the layered configuration of CLT panels. Experimental studies based on shock-tube and field-blast tests are reviewed, with emphasis on the effects of panel configuration, connections, and retrofitting strategies. Current modeling practices, including finite element analysis and equivalent single-degree-of-freedom approaches, are critically examined. Literature synthesis identifies major knowledge gaps, including the lack of standardized material models, limited experimental data, and insufficient design-oriented analytical tools. Finally, future research directions are outlined to support the development of performance-based blast-resistant design methodologies for mass-timber structures.
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