Comparative Analysis of the Seismic Performance of a Full-Scale Historical Timber Structure by Numerical Simulation and Mechanical Test

Abstract

ABSTRACT In order to accurately use numerical analysis results to evaluate seismic performance, a quantitative relationship between the parameters of the ideal finite element model (FEM) and full-scale test model (FTM) of historic timber structures must be established. In this study, a single-story full-scale timber structure with four columns and Dou-gongs that was common during the Song dynasty of China (A.D. 960–1279) was taken as the object, and pseudo-static test (or simulation) analysis was carried out on the FTM and the corresponding FEM. The numerical model was consistent with the test model in terms of the structural deformation pattern and stress characteristics of the key nodes. The key-point loads of the skeleton curves, stiffness ratio, ductility coefficient, and stiffness relationship were quantitatively established for the two models. Accordingly, approximate formulas for the above relationships were proposed.