Numerical simulation of the seismic response of timber frame multi-storey buildings

The seismic response of timber frame multi-storey buildings, considering the nonlinear behavior of metal fastener joints, was herein investigated. A refined numerical model to simulate the actual behavior of buildings was developed using one dimensional elements for beams and columns, two dimensional elements for bracing panels and nonlinear springs for fastener connections. The characteristics of the springs were derived from the results of tests carried out on single connectors or from detailed numerical simulations. In these analyses, the actual constitutive relationships for the materials were used. The push over analysis allows to determine the seismic capacity curve of the building and to assess the behavior factor that have to be used in the seismic design based on the linear static analysis. A push over analysis of a two storey frame building was carried out to evidence the applicability of the numerical model.