In-Plane Behavior of the Dhajji-Dewari Structural System (Wooden Braced Frame with Masonry Infill)

Abstract

This paper presents experimental and numerical investigations conducted on typical dhajji buildings found in the northern mountainous areas of Kashmir and surrounding regions to evaluate their in-plane lateral load response. The experimental work included an in-plane quasistatic cyclic test on three full-scale walls as well as monotonic tension and bend tests on main connections. The test results show that the dhajji-dewari system of buildings possesses tremendous resilience against lateral forces. The function of connections, especially the connections between the vertical posts and bottom plate, control the performance of the system. The test results also indicate that although masonry infill does not contribute to lateral load capacity, it significantly increases the energy dissipation capacity of system. The data accrued from the tests has been used in nonlinear static push-over analysis of the numerical models to develop simplified analytical tools for facilitating lateral load performance evaluation of dhajji structures.