Seismic reinforcement of traditional timber structures

Abstract

Every year earthquakes cause damage and destroy a sizeable portion of the building stock across the globe. Among traditional constructions, those built with timber are considered the most effective earthquake-resistant structures, provided that the continuity in the load path is not compromised, the joints are intact, and moisture-induced problems are kept at bay. However, the high costs and difficulties involved in the execution of interventions that meet the safety requirements prescribed by current building codes act as a deterrent to the continued use and reuse of these structures. Therefore, it is important to identify the inherent seismic-resistant features, as well as the deficiencies, of traditional timber constructions and to review the various strengthening, retrofitting and upgrading measures that have been developed to enhance the safety of such structures. The effectiveness of different strengthening techniques has been proven on the basis of results from experimental tests carried out on components of timber structures, such as joints and beams, full-scale shear walls, roof trusses and floor slabs. The successes and failures of past interventions also play an instrumental role in identifying effective and economical strengthening solutions for traditional timber structures.