Three-Dimensional Finite-Element Modeling and Validation of a Timber-Framed House to Wind Loading
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 143, Issue 9
Abstract
This paper presents a three-dimensional (3D) finite-element model (FEM) of part of a contemporary timber-framed house for assessing the load sharing and contribution of lining elements to load sharing. Assembled with intercomponent connections (i.e., batten-to-cladding connections, batten-to-truss connections, and roof-to-wall connections), the model consists of structural frame elements (e.g., trusses, battens, metal roof cladding, top plates, bottom plates, and wall studs) and lining elements (e.g., ceiling, wall lining, and ceiling cornice). The model analyses agree favorably with results from full-scale structural tests. The FEM shows that adding lining elements decreases the vertical reaction of the roof-to-wall connection by approximately 25%. This validated model provides confidence for assessing the structural response of a range of typical house geometries and materials including the effects of construction defects to wind loads.
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Acknowledgments
This study is part of the research conducted by Climate Adaptation Engineering for Extreme Events Cluster funded by CSIRO Land and Water. The authors gratefully acknowledge the funding support of CSIRO and the support of the technical staff of Structural Laboratory and of Cyclone Testing Station, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 143 • Issue 9 • September 2017
Copyright
©2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 5, 2016
Accepted: Mar 20, 2017
Published online: Jun 14, 2017
Published in print: Sep 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Nov 14, 2017
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