Playing Nice with CLT

Earn 1 PDH

This presentation explores the integration of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) with Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) to create a high performing hybrid structural system. By combining the strengths of both materials, designers can achieve a solution that is cost effective, offers flexible design opportunities, provides fire performance, and supports sustainable construction goals.

While the benefits of CLT–CFS hybrid systems are increasingly recognized in the design community, engineers continue to face several technical challenges. Key questions include:

• What is the capacity of CFS framing bearing on CLT panels?
• What are effective strategies for connecting bypass CFS curtain walls to CLT structures?

To address these issues, we have conducted a series of targeted tests and investigations. Today’s discussion will highlight our findings, share insights from this testing program, and outline emerging best practices for CLT–CFS integration.

Learning Objectives

• Learn about CLT and how CFS and CLT can be integrated
• Testing of CFS bearing on CLT
• Testing of CFS curtainwall connections with CLT
• Design options of CFS integrated with CLT

Clifton Melcher, P.E., S.E.
Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.

Clifton Melcher, P.E., S.E. is a Group Product Manager for Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc., where he is responsible for managing the development and promotion of connectors and software. Prior to joining Simpson Strong-Tie, Clifton was the engineering branch manager for a large cold-formed steel manufacturer. He is a registered civil and structural engineer with more than 25 years of experience in the cold-formed steel industry. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Iowa State University.

Hien Nguyen, M.S., P.E.
Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.

Hien Nguyen, M.S., P.E. is an Associate Technical Manager in Product Engineering at Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. in Pleasanton, California. She specializes in new product development and has more than 25 years of experience designing structural connectors for wood, cross-laminated timber, and cold-formed steel applications. Hien led the effort to incorporate curtain wall clip provisions into ICC-ES AC261, approved in February 2019, and has contributed to multiple AISI test standards. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Davis and a master’s degree from San Jose State University. She is a registered civil engineer in California.

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