Simplified Hysteretic Finite-Element Model for Wood and Viscoelastic Polymer Connections for the Dynamic Analysis of Shear Walls

Abstract

This paper presents a simplified methodology of modeling the complex hysteretic behaviors of wood sheathing connections using basic elements found in commercially available finite-element analysis software. By combining these basic elements, customized connection elements that often require extensive programming can be eliminated. This both simplifies the modeling process and adds versatility to the model, such that it can be modified for different types of sheathing connections. A typical nailed sheathing connection has successfully been modeled and implemented into a shear wall model using this methodology. In addition, an innovative viscoelastic (VE) sheathing connection has been modeled using the same strategy and was used in a VE shear wall model. Though this study was focused on wood frame shear walls and their connections, the proposed modeling technique may be applied to virtually all structural components with hysteretic behaviors.