Sheathing-to-framing connection ductility role in the q-behaviour factor of Light Frame Timber buildings

Thanks to their low mass and the high ductility, Light Frame Timber structures are a valid solution for low- and mid-rise buildings in seismic-prone areas. The nailed connection between the sheathing and the wood frame allows consistent energy dissipation, ensuring optimal mechanical performances. However, some uncertainties still regard the estimation of the associated structural behaviour factor q. The present research, accordingly, faces the calibration issue for the behaviour factor for Light-Frame Timber Buildings by means of Incremental Dynamic Analysis. Compared to papers in the literature that often use static methods or simplified buildings, this study considers the cyclic behaviour of the walls and complete 3D reference buildings, subjected to couples of accelerograms. A FEM model of a Light-Frame Timber wall is previously calibrated based on a full-scale laboratory test. Then, six reference buildings are designed according to Eurocode provisions and analysed by means of non-linear incremental dynamic approach. Finally, results are presented, and a range of q-behaviour factor is proposed.