Full-scale experimental testing of retrofitting techniques in Portuguese “Pombalino” traditional timber frame walls

Abstract

Traditional timber frame walls are constructive elements representative of different timber frame buildings that are well known as one of the most efficient seismic resistant structures in the world. Timber frame walls were also used in the reconstruction of buildings of the old town of Lisbon after the earthquake of 1755 aiming at improving their seismic global behaviour. As it is important to preserve these structures, a better knowledge about their behaviour under seismic actions is important and can give some indications about possible retrofitting techniques to be used to improve the seismic performance. Due to the great rehabilitation effort currently carried out in many countries, a better understanding of retrofitting techniques is also needed. Therefore, this paper aims at providing a study on possible retrofitting techniques adopting traditional solutions such as bolts and steel plates. Static cyclic tests have been performed on retrofitted traditional timber frame walls in order to study their seismic performance. The experimental results showed the overall good seismic performance of steel plates and the more ductile behaviour of retrofitted timber frame walls with bolts.