Enhanced Seismic Performance of Timber Structures Using Resilient Connections: Full-Scale Testing and Design Procedure

Abstract

The innovative resilient slip friction joint (RSFJ) technology has recently been developed and introduced to the construction industry. This technology not only aims to provide life safety for the occupants, but also to reduce earthquake-induced damage so the building can be reoccupied after an earthquake with minimum business disruption. While the seismic behavior of the conventional timber structures may be acceptable, previous research showed they have significant shortcomings such as irrecoverable inelastic damage in the fasteners, high response accelerations, and possible residual displacements. This paper presents dynamic component test results on these joints to investigate their performance under rapid load cycles. In addition, experimental results related to full-scale bidirectional testing of a rocking laminated veneer lumber (LVL) panel with RSFJ hold-downs are presented. Furthermore, a progressive step-by-step analysis and preliminary design procedure for structures using this technology is proposed that is based on the use of force-based design principle. Accordingly, a numerical model for a 5-story timber structure was developed and then the proposed procedure was applied to the model to design the connectors. Then the model was subjected to nonlinear static pushover and nonlinear dynamic time–history simulations to investigate the seismic performance of the structure. Finally, the performance of the case study structure was compared with a similar structure with the RSFJs replaced with conventional friction dampers. The findings of this research demonstrate that the proposed system has the potential to be considered as an efficient resilient seismic solution for timber structures and the presented design procedure can potentially be used for preliminary design of buildings with RSFJs.