On-Site Lateral Loading Test of a Traditional Timber House in Japan

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a static lateral loading test performed on a traditional timber farmhouse in Japan. The aim of this research is to clarify the horizontal load carrying capacity and the failure mode of this type of house by full-scale experiment. The house is situated in Yamaguchi prefecture, which is in the southwestern part of Japan, and was built in the late 18th century. The experiment was performed by placing static loading equipment within the house, and placing two reaction supporting systems outside the house. A lateral cyclic loading test was carried out and the maximum lateral load and the failure mode were determined. Static analysis using a theoretical mud wall model was also performed. The results of this analysis are discussed in comparison with those of the experiment.