Numerical Investigation and Empirical Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Timber-Framed Masonry Buildings

Abstract

This chapter describes the development of traditional timber-framed masonry techniques as an anti-seismic measure in the course of time and their corresponding seismic effectiveness. Firstly, the evolution of timber framed structures from the Bronze Age to date is presented and the effects on their seismic resistance of the structural changes to which these structures have been subjected since the most ancient construction. It is noted that the appearance of timber in the body of masonry walls in prehistoric Greece after strong seismic events is the first time in the history of mankind that an effort is made to provide a rational method for seismic resistance to buildings. The seismic performance of traditional structures during recent earthquakes is also discussed. A variety of advanced analytical modelling strategies for these buildings is presented, from a detailed micro-model to macro-model procedures. The potential seismic vulnerability of these buildings is investigated using statistical data from recent earthquakes. Empirical fragility curves in terms of PGA, PGV and macroseismic intensity from the 2003 Lefkas earthquake damage data are presented.