Herakulix Max
Point-supported CLT floors: safely transferring loads with Herakulix® Max
Point-supported CLT floors made from cross-laminated timber enable open floor plans without load-bearing walls or additional joists. This construction method therefore opens up new possibilities for flexible, multi-storey timber buildings. However, a key challenge for structural engineers and timber construction firms is ensuring safe load transfer in the area of the columns.
With Herakulix Max, SIHGA offers a connection solution for point-supported CLT floor systems. The system enables vertical load transfer between the columns across the floor slab and can therefore also be used in multi-storey timber structures.
What is a point-supported CLT floor?
In a point-supported ceiling, the ceiling structure rests directly on individual columns. Load-bearing walls or joists between the columns are therefore not strictly necessary.
A technique long associated primarily with concrete construction can also be achieved using cross-laminated timber (CLT).
The advantage: The number of additional beams and joists can be significantly reduced. This allows for greater flexibility in room layout. Subsequent alterations to the floor plan can also be carried out more easily.
However, this presents a particular challenge for structural engineering: the loads from the storeys above must be transferred at the support points through the CLT slab into the underlying structural framework.
How does load transfer work in point-supported CLT floors?
In a multi-storey building, vertical loads must be transferred from one column to the next. This results in high concentrated loads acting on the timber cross-section within the ceiling area.
Herakulix Max enables continuous load transfer between the columns, thereby optimising vertical force transmission without placing additional stress on the cross-laminated timber (CLT) ceilings.
An integrated steel core prevents the floor from failing under shear. The connection solution is manufactured from S355 galvanised structural steel.
This provides structural engineers with a defined structural solution for one of the critical load transfer points in a point-supported CLT structure.
Why are point-supported floors of interest for multi-storey timber construction?
The elimination or reduction of joists and load-bearing internal walls offers advantages, particularly in buildings with changing usage requirements.
The load-bearing structure and the room layout can be separated more clearly from one another. This creates architectural freedom and makes it easier to adapt floor plans to new requirements, even at a later stage.
However, in multi-storey timber construction in particular, this requires reliable load transfer between storeys. Herakulix Max is designed to facilitate this vertical load transfer between columns.
What installation scenarios are possible with Herakulix Max?
In a real structural system, columns are not always located exactly at the centre of a floor element. Herakulix Max can therefore be used for various support configurations:
- at the centre of the component,
- on one edge
- at one corner
- on two edges
- at four corners
- or at two corners and one edge
Herakulix Max is suitable for cross-laminated timber (CLT) components with a thickness of 160 to 280 mm. 30-degree drill holes also allow for bolting into the end grain of the columns, thereby ensuring optimal force transmission in various directions. A matching Herakulix Max decoupling profile is available as an option.
How is Herakulix Max designed for the specific structural system?
The requirements for a column connection vary depending on the building, storey and loads involved. For this reason, the loads and structural requirements are calculated individually for each storey of the specific construction project.
Based on this calculation, the appropriate pre-assembled size of Herakulix Max is recommended. The system thus combines standardised product variants with a selection tailored to the specific construction project.
What advantages does Herakulix Max offer to timber construction contractors?
In addition to its structural function, the practical implementation of connection solutions on site plays a decisive role.
Herakulix Max includes all the necessary components for the connection solution in a single kit. This means that the individual components do not need to be assembled separately. This saves on materials and labour on site.
The various installation options also allow it to be used with different column positions within the floor structure.
What advantages does Herakulix Max offer structural engineers and structural designers?
Three properties are particularly relevant for structural design: the targeted vertical load transfer between the columns, the integrated steel core to prevent shear failure of the floor, and the ability to accommodate different support conditions within a floor system.
The specific variant is selected according to the loads and structural requirements of the respective storey.
In this way, the point-supported cross-laminated timber (CLT) floor can be designed as part of a multi-storey structural system.
Conclusion: Ensuring the structural safety of point-supported cross-laminated timber (CLT) floors
Point-supported CLT floors open up new possibilities for flexible, multi-storey timber structures. The crucial structural aspect is the reliable transfer of loads via the columns through the floor structure.
Herakulix Max from SIHGA was developed for this purpose. This connection solution enables vertical load transfer between the columns, whilst an integrated steel core prevents transverse compression failure of the cross-laminated timber floor slab.
With a range of installation options, suitability for use with CLT components up to 280 mm thick and a project-specific selection of product variants, the system offers a solution for structural engineers and timber construction contractors.
Are you planning a point-supported CLT floor? SIHGA can help you select the appropriate Herakulix Max variant based on the loads and structural requirements of your specific project.
The cover image is a rendering and has been enhanced using AI.
