Simplified engineering tools for seismic analysis and design of traditional Dhajji-Dewari structures

Abstract

This paper presents simplified engineering tools for seismic analysis of traditional Dhajji-Dewari structures, a concentrically braced timber frame with masonry infill, within the context of vulnerability assessment of existing stock, strengthening and restoration of historical heritage and feasibility analysis of future construction projects. Similar like structures can be found in various parts of America, Asia, Europe and the Middle-East. The study included tools for the evaluation of lateral force-deformability characteristics of Dhajji walls using non-linear static pushover analysis, simplified models for nonlinear dynamic time history analysis of Dhajji wall structures subjected to ground shaking, and simplified models for seismic performance evaluation of Dhajji wall structures using hand calculations. Three full scale Dhajji walls tested quasi-static-cyclically, with additional 18 tension and bend tests on timber frame connections, at the Earthquake Engineering Center of Peshawar are analyzed to understand the damage mechanism and salient features of the system in resisting lateral load, retrieve lateral force-deformability behavior, hysteresis response and viscous damping (energy dissipation) of Dhajji walls in order to calibrate tools for nonlinear static and dynamic seismic analysis of Dhajji wall structures. Applications are shown on the seismic performance assessment of example structures and design of new construction schemes. The findings from the present research study can provide help on the seismic performance evaluation of similar like concentrically braced timber frame masonry wall structures.