Development and Testing of an Alternative Dissipative Posttensioned Rocking Timber Wall with Boundary Columns

Abstract

AbstractThe unbonded posttensioned rocking and dissipative technology was first developed as the main outcome of the PREcast seismic structural systems (PRESSS) Program in the United States. After the first developments and significant refinement, the technology was extended to steel and, more recently, timber structures. The timber version, referred to as prestressed laminated (Pres-Lam) system can be either implemented for timber walls (single or coupled) or frames or a combination of the above, with unbonded posttensioning and supplemental dissipation devices. In unbonded posttensioned dissipative wall systems a combination of recentering capacity and energy dissipation leads to a controlled rocking mechanism, which develops a gap opening at the wall base. This generates an uplift displacement that is transferred to the floor diaphragm. This vertical displacement incompatibility can represent a potential issue if the connection detailing between floor and lateral resisting system is not designed proper...