Abstract Numerical simulations and parametric studies of glued-in rods in cross-laminated timber have been performed. The simulations were based on 3D finite element analysis, using a cohesive surface model for the bond-lines between the laminations and the bond-line along the rod. The parametric studies investigated the influence of the glued-in length, the rod diameter, and the rod-to-grain angle on the load-bearing capacity and stiffness of the connection. The analyses showed that the load-bearing capacity generally increases with the glued-in length and the rod diameter, which agrees well with experiments. For different rod-to-grain angles, different mechanical behaviour was observed, especially considering the failure modes.