We test construction details of the Czech pavilion for the future EXPO

Experts from the CTU UCEEB have tested two structural joints of the CLT panels of the Czech pavilion for the national exposition at the EXPO 2025 world exhibition to be held in Osaka, Japan. The laboratory structural tests were commissioned by the winner of the international architectural competition - Apropos Architects. The author of the structural design is A2 Timber s.r.o.

The research team of the Structural Engineering Department of the CTU UCEEB first tested the vertical joint of the wall panels, which were connected with steel plates inserted into notches in the panels and Rothoblaas screws. The specimen consisted of three pieces of panels and was fastened in such a way as to prevent it from rotating during the test. The middle panel was loaded with a vertical force, and the relative displacements of the wall panels and the applied force were measured.

The second specimen tested was the moment connection between the vertical wall and the cantilever, and its load carrying capacity and rotational stiffness were investigated. The wall panel was attached to a rigid structure so that it could not rotate or sag in the vertical direction. A total of 12 displacement sensors and one inclinometer were used for measurements. In addition to the force applied to the end of the cantilever, we also sensed the rotation and displacement of the cantilever. In parallel, we also monitored the rotation and displacement of the vertical wall. The test results in both cases were consistent with the structural engineers' assumptions and confirmed the functionality of the designed connections.