Shaking table testing of post-tensioned timber frame building with passive energy dissipation systems

A recently developed technology for the construction of multi-storey timber buildings called Pres-Lam uses long lengths of prefabricated laminated timber connected together using pre-stressing steel tendons or bars. A 3-dimensional, 3-storey, 2/3rd scaled Pres-Lam frame building was tested on the shaking table of the structural laboratory of the University of Basilicata. The main objectives of this study were: (1) to confirm the effectiveness of the Pres-Lam technology, originally developed using laminated veneer lumber, for glue laminated (Glulam) timber structures and (2) to validate the current modelling approach in predicting the dynamic response. This paper describes the design, detailing and construction of the experimental model followed by explanation of the testing programme. Two sessions of testing were performed considering different column-base conditions, both with and without the activation of externally mounted dissipative steel angles. The test results are compared with numerical predictions obtained through nonlinear analysis. These numerical models are shown to provide an accurate representation of the dynamic response.