Seismic strengthening and seismic improvement of timber structures

Abstract

In European seismic areas timber structures are used as building frames, in frames with masonry infills, in bridges, but most often in structures supporting roofs and floor slabs of traditional buildings. Seismic strengthening of existing structures should supply a well-defined and simple path to seismic forces, keep timber elements within the elastic limit, and develop as much as possible a post-elastic behaviour in joints. Provisions must be adopted to avoid sudden loss of capacity and brittle failure, and to favor the development of ductility. Different criteria for seismic strengthening of floor slabs and of carpentry joints are presented, on the basis of research projects conducted by the authors