Abstract
Log-house is an ancient construction technology based on the superposition of linear timber logs, connected to the orthogonal walls by a system of carvings, notches and corner joints. Due to the fact that this solution is widely used in constructions located in seismic or windy areas, the in-plane behaviour of walls represents an attractive research topic. In this paper, major outcomes of a Finite-Element (FE) numerical investigation carried out on single corner joints currently in use for log-house buildings are discussed under different loading conditions (i.e., in-plane lateral and vertical compressive loads), including parametric analyses to capture the key aspects of their typical structural response. Careful consideration is paid for the elastic stiffness of such joints, being of primary interest for design purposed. At the same time, a linear analytical formulation is presented, with the aim of providing a simple but useful tool in support of design, and especially to estimate the maximum lateral displacement/resistance for a given log-house wall when subjected to in-plane lateral forces. There, the intrinsic mechanical features of corner joints and related aspects are properly considered (i.e., static friction phenomena, as well as the presence of small gaps, etc.). The analytical model, in addition, takes advantage of the numerically predicted joint stiffness values, being dependent on several parameters. As shown, rather good agreement is obtained between the FE model output, the analytical predictions and past reference experimental/numerical results available in the literature for full-scale log-house walls under in-plane lateral loads, hence suggesting the potential of the proposed approach. In conclusion, possible Force-Preload-Displacement (FPD) charts are presented, to act as simplified tools for preliminary design considerations.
Highlights
The structural response of timber log-house walls under in-plane lateral loads is investigated via Finite-Element (FE) numerical and analytical models
Following the past research investigations, this paper aims at further exploring the structural performance of log-house shear walls, with careful attention for the typical corner joints in use, when subjected to a combination of in-plane compressive loads and in-plane lateral loads
The lateral response of response of log-house walls acting as load-bearing components in buildings is strictly related to the log-house walls acting as load-bearing components in buildings is strictly related to the mechanical mechanical performance of the overlapping and intercepting logs, including sequential sliding effects performance of the overlapping and intercepting logs, including sequential sliding effects and the and the progressive activation of corner joints
Summary
The structural response of timber log-house walls under in-plane lateral loads is investigated via Finite-Element (FE) numerical and analytical models. Within a full 3D building, each log-house wall has a primary load-bearing function, so as to transfer both vertical and lateral loads from the roof to the foundation systems Further advantages of such a constructional solution are represented by healthiness and good insulation properties, as well as by the fast assembly speed on the building site. The typical timber logs can be mostly rectangular-shaped or round-shaped, and realised in the form of solid timber or laminated beams This traditional constructive system is relatively ancient in origin, the structural response under ordinary and extreme design loads is not well known yet, and no explicit provisions are given by standards in use (i.e., the Eurocodes 8 or 5 [1,2]) for the design of timber structures
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