Light Steel-Timber Frame with Composite and Plaster Bracing Panels

Area of Science:

• Structural Engineering
• Earthquake Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Light-frame structures require robust seismic resistance.
• Traditional bracing systems may have limitations in ductility and energy dissipation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and evaluate an innovative bracing system for light-frame structures.
• To assess the seismic performance of the proposed system through experimental and numerical analyses.
• To determine the appropriate behavior factor for the system according to European seismic codes.

Main Methods:

• Experimental cyclic-loading tests on shear-wall specimens.
• Development and calibration of a numerical model based on experimental data.
• Dynamic non-linear analysis of a case-study building.

Main Results:

• The innovative bracing system, comprising Oriented Strand Board (OSB) and technoprene plaster, exhibited high ductility and energy dissipation capacity.
• Experimental and numerical results confirmed the system's effectiveness in resisting seismic actions.
• The calibrated numerical model allowed for the estimation of a suitable behavior factor.

Conclusions:

• The proposed light-frame structure with the innovative bracing system is well-suited for seismic-prone areas.
• The system's favorable seismic performance is attributed to its materials, fasteners, and the application of capacity design.
• The study provides valuable insights for the design of resilient structures in earthquake-affected regions.