Finite Element Modeling of Light Frame Wood Structures An Integrated Approach

Abstract

This research aims to improve the framework and practicality for the analysis and design of light frame wood structures. The light frame wood structure is broken down into its constituent components for modeling: connections, shearwalls and diaphragms, then the assembled structure. This work relies extensively on available finite element technologies to identify key components and modeling methods of those key components. Finite element modeling strategies were developed to investigate the response of light framed wood structures. The models developed are intended to be general in nature and not restricted to a particular type of loading and cover static monotonic, dynamic monotonic, static cyclic and dynamic loading. In doing so, modeling strategies are proposed to make the models more computationally efficient and reduce the complexity without a loss of information of the response. Experiments were conducted on connections, components, and the assembled structure and designed to evaluate the response of wood structures and their components and verify the developed models. Criteria used to evaluate the models include hysteresis shape, energy dissipation, strains, local displacements and forces, and observed failure modes. and compared with results of experiments designed and verify the model.