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Numerical modeling of three-dimensional light wood-framed buildings

University of British Columbia

This thesis describes the development of numerical models for predicting the performance of three-dimensional light wood-framed buildings under static loading conditions and subjected to dynamic excitations. The models have been implemented into a package of nonlinear finite element programs. They satisfy the general requirements in the study of the structural behaviour of commonly applied light-frame construction. The models also deal with building configurations and loading conditions in a versatile manner. The application of these programs, therefore, can provide solutions to a wide range of investigations into the performance of wood light-frame buildings. These investigations may include the analyses of an entire three-dimensional light-frame building, an individual structural component, and a single connection containing one to several nails with varied material and structural components and combined loading conditions. These buildings and components can have irregular plan layouts, varied framing and sheathing configurations, and different nail spacings with or without openings. The models were verified and tested on theoretical and experimental grounds. Theories of mechanics were applied to examine the models and related algorithms, while experimental results were used to validate the finite element programs and to calibrate the basic parameters required by the models. Besides the test data from previous shear wall studies, three-dimensional building tests were conducted to provide the data required in the model verification. In the experimental planning phase, the programs were intensively employed to help select the correct configurations of the test specimens. The experimental session contained four tests of a three-dimensional wood-framed structure: two static tests and two earthquake tests. These tests provided extensive information on the overall load-deformation characteristics, dynamic behaviour, torsional deformation, influence of dead load, overturning movement, failure modes, natural frequencies, and corresponding mode shapes of the test systems. The predicted behaviour of the test specimens by the programs is in good agreement with test results. This indicates that the programs are well suited for the investigation of the general behaviour of wood lightframe systems and for the study of load sharing and torsional effects on three-dimensional buildings due to structural and material asymmetries.

Thesis/Dissertation

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2009-09-23

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http://hdl.handle.net/2429/13092

Forestry

University of British Columbia

UBCV

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