Numerical Analysis on Seismic Behaviour of Timber Frame Structure With Hybrid Screwed-in Rod Connections

Abstract

A hybrid connection with steel bracket and screwed-in rods was developed for timber structures or hybrid steel-timber structures. Cyclic tests have been conducted upon the proposed connection and then compared it with the traditional bolted connections. Test results showed that the hybrid connection had better stiffness, energy dissipating capacity, and moment resisting capacity, compared with the bolted connection. The numerical models for the two types of connections were established. Bayesian parameter identification method was used to calibrate the parameters of the model. These two connection models were applied to a three-story frame numerical model in Open System for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (Opensees), and the seismic performances of the three-story frame with hybrid connection or bolted connections were evaluated, which can provide guidance for the application of the innovative connection hybrid connection. The results show that the hybrid connection can reduce the displacement response of the structure and improve the seismic performance of the structure, especially under rare earthquakes.