Cross-laminated timber (CLT) elements are becoming increasingly popular in multi-storey timber-based structures, which have long been built in many different countries. Various challenges are connected with constructions of this type. One such challenge is that of stabilizing the structure against vertical loads. However, the calculations of the stability bearing capacity of the CLT members in axial compression in the structural design remains unsolved in China. This study aims to determine the stability bearing capacity of the CLT members in axial compression and to propose the calculation method of the stability coefficient. First, the stability coefficient calculation theories in different national standards were analyzed, and then the stability bearing capacity of CLT elements with four slenderness ratios was investigated. Finally, based on the stability coefficient calculation formulae in the GB 50005-2017 standard and the regression method, the calculation method of the stability coefficient for CLT elements was proposed, and the values of the material parameters were determined. The result shows that the average deviation between fitting curve and calculated results of European and American standard is 5.43% and 3.73%, respectively, and the average deviation between the fitting curve and the actual test results was 8.15%. The stability coefficients calculation formulae could be used to predict the stability coefficients of CLT specimens with different slenderness ratios well.
Keywords: axial compression; cross-laminated timber; slenderness ratio; stability coefficient; timber structures.