Numerical approaches for the analysis of timber frame walls

Abstract

Timber frame structures constitute an important cultural heritage of many countries, since they represent a typical anti-seismic construction adopted worldwide and are worth preserving. Recent experimental results have shown that the seismic response of traditional timber frame walls varies greatly with the type of infill, the type of connection and wall geometry. Two simplified 2D numerical models were created and in-plane monotonic tests were simulated and calibrated using recent experimental results. Material non-linearity was considered for all materials. Considering the numerous advantages of the use of simplified models, parametric analyses were carried out in order to evaluate the influence of parameters such as type of infill, infill-frame connectivity, timber type, connection type. The greater influence on the behaviour of the walls is given by the quality of the joints as well as the connectivity between timber and masonry, behaviour that is in accordance with experimental results. Additionally, the geometry of the wall influences its stiffness and load capacity.