Seismic behavior and retrofitting off joints in traditional timber roof structures

The seismic quality of traditional timber structures, as those supporting roofs in old-buildings, mostly depends on the condition of their connections. A research program has investigated the behavior of old timber joints and examined retrofitting criteria: The main parameters affecting the mechanical behavior of-the connection have been singled out and, their effects quantified by means of experimentation and numerical analysis. A synthetic model of the cyclic behavior has been formulated, implemented in a finite element format, and used in the analysis of timber structures in seismic conditions. The model has been verified with full-scale experimentation on a roof truss. Different reinforcing methods have been compared on the basis of experimental observation and calculated structural response. The study has shown that a satisfactory post-elastic response, comparable to that of new structures, may be reached for suitably retrofitted structures. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.