Numerical Modelling of Traditional Timber Columns Resting on Stone Bases

Abstract

ABSTRACT Columns in traditional timber structures are commonly seen resting on stone bases and are very important in resisting lateral loads. This paper numerically modeled the lateral resistance of the columns combined with experimental investigation. Different numerical models were developed, based on which sensitivity analyses were performed. A practical numerical modelling strategy was further proposed and verified. The analysis results indicated that instead of material properties and contact area, the columns’ lateral performance was much more sensitive to the variation of surface curvature at bottom surface. Without consideration of the surface curvature, the modeling error in the initial stiffness and peak load of a column was more than 607% and 8%, respectively. By best matching the load–displacement curves of tested column specimens, the optimal surface curvature was identified as 1/20306.5 mm−1. Then, a practical finite numerical model, characterized by the optimal curvature at the bottom surface, was proposed. This modelling method was validated by use of existing test results of traditional timber columns with different diameters and vertical compression loads. The modelling load–displacement curves agreed well with experimental curves both in terms of the initial lateral stiffness and peak load. Detailed simulation results based on the practical modelling strategy were presented and discussed.