Experimental Study and Numerical Investigation of Blockhaus Shear Walls Subjected to In-Plane Seismic Loads
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 141, Issue 4
Abstract
Blockhaus systems represent a traditional construction technology in which structural resistance is obtained by direct contact between multiple timber surfaces obtained through carvings, notches, and ancient joints. Native of forested areas, this technology is currently used for the construction of log buildings also in earthquake-prone areas. Their seismic structural behavior hence represents an interesting and not well known research topic. In the paper, experimental results obtained by cyclic and monotonic tests recently performed on Blockhaus shear walls with three different types of joints are presented and discussed. At the same time, sophisticated finite-element numerical models able to take into account the complex structural behavior of log-walls subjected to in-plane seismic forces are described. Performed numerical simulations highlighted that in general multiple factors affect the global structural response of Blockhaus shear walls, including the presence of imperfections (small gaps) in the joints, the contribution of friction phenomena, the mechanical properties of timber, and the interaction between in-plane seismic forces and vertical permanent loads. However, careful calibration of timber mechanical properties and contact interactions between overlapping logs can provide accurate numerical predictions and good correlation with full-scale experimental results.
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Acknowledgments
Rubner Haus AG SpA is gratefully acknowledged for funding the research project. Dr. Annalisa Battisti is also acknowledged for her cooperation during the experimental and modeling phase. Dr. Andrea Polastri [CNR IVALSA Trees and Timber Institute, San Michele all’Adige (Italy)] is acknowledged for the technical support provided during the full-scale experiments performed on Blockhaus shear walls. Dr. Franco Trevisan [University of Trieste, DICAR—Department of Engineering and Architecture, Trieste (Italy)] is finally acknowledged for his technical support for the friction and compressive experiments performed on small Blockhaus components.
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Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 141 • Issue 4 • April 2015
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 19, 2013
Accepted: Feb 25, 2014
Published online: Jul 9, 2014
Discussion open until: Dec 9, 2014
Published in print: Apr 1, 2015
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