Dynamic Response of Wooden Columns in Traditional Timber Structures Under Horizontal Earthquake

Abstract

Accurately predicting the structure’s response under external loads is a prerequisite for scientific protection of traditional timber structures. Wooden columns are the key components for transmitting the vertical loads and resisting the lateral loads in traditional timber structures. The dynamic response characteristics of wooden columns eccentrically overlain by top column component under horizontal earthquakes are investigated in this paper. The critical triggering conditions for different phases of the dynamic response are derived. The factors that determine the transition between various phases of the dynamic response are obtained. Based on the trigger conditions, the trigger sensitivity of each phase of the dynamic responses is studied. The results show that there are four phases of dynamic response that can be triggered on the wooden column, i.e. the static, uplift, uplift followed by slipping, and simultaneous uplift and slipping. Uplift is most likely to be triggered. Uplift with rocking is the main form of wooden columns. The results of theoretical analysis are verified by numerical simulation. This study provides the necessary theoretical basis for the phase assessment and protection of the traditional timber structures.