An experimental and simulated investigation into the seismic performance of Chuan-dou timber structures with infilled walls

The seismic performance of Chuan-dou timber structures was investigated. A 1:2 scale model of a Chuan-dou timber structure was constructed, with the bottom part filled with masonry and the remaining portions filled with gypsum board. Through quasistatic tests, we compared and studied the impact of whether the column foot is constrained on the seismic performance of Chuan-dou timber structures. The results indicate that when the horizontal displacement of the column foot is restricted, the force distribution pattern of the timber frame changes, and the lateral resistance capacity increases by approximately two times. The lateral force-displacement relationship of the timber frame exhibits two stages, where the load in the second stage does not decrease as the displacement increases. Additionally, a simplified finite element model incorporating mortise-tenon (M-T) joints and column foot connections reflects the hysteresis performance of the bare timber frame. A simplified wall model that considers the rocking effect can be used to simulate the lateral force-displacement relationship of the timber frame.