Experimental Study and Numerical Investigation of Blockhaus Shear Walls Subjected to In-Plane Seismic Loads

Abstract

AbstractBlockhaus systems represent a traditional construction technology in which structural resistance is obtained by direct contact between multiple timber surfaces obtained through carvings, notches, and ancient joints. Native of forested areas, this technology is currently used for the construction of log buildings also in earthquake-prone areas. Their seismic structural behavior hence represents an interesting and not well known research topic. In the paper, experimental results obtained by cyclic and monotonic tests recently performed on Blockhaus shear walls with three different types of joints are presented and discussed. At the same time, sophisticated finite-element numerical models able to take into account the complex structural behavior of log-walls subjected to in-plane seismic forces are described. Performed numerical simulations highlighted that in general multiple factors affect the global structural response of Blockhaus shear walls, including the presence of imperfections (small gaps) ...