ABSTRACT The timber frame on sloped terrain (TFS) features varying column base heights and inconsistent lateral stiffness, making its lateral performance vital for the stability of timber structures in mountainous areas. This study employed both test and simulation methods to investigate the lateral performance of TFS. Pseudo-static tests were conducted to assess the deformation and bearing capacity of TFS under lateral forces. The Open System for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (OpenSees) was used to model the beams, columns, and joints. A finite element model (FEM) of the TFS was then developed and validated against test results. Additionally, factors such as upper ground height and number of layers of the frame were analyzed. The results showed that the lateral behavior of traditional timber frames can be effectively simulated using OpenSees. The upward shift of the contraflexure point in TFS suggests that these structures are more susceptible to collapse than frames on flat terrain. As the height of the upper ground end increases, the stiffness and bearing capacity of the TFS, as well as the forces on the mortise-tenon joints and column feet, also increase. Conversely, as the number of layers increases, the frame stiffness decreases, while peak displacement and bearing capacity rise.
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