Numerical Simulation of Unreinforced Masonry Buildings with Timber Diaphragms

Though flexible diaphragms play a role in the seismic behaviour of unreinforced masonry buildings, effect connections between floors and walls is rarely discussed or explicitly modelled when simulating response such buildings. These are most commonly timber made planks beams, which supported on recesses can slide friction resistance reached. Using equivalent frame models, we capture effects both diaphragm stiffness finite strength wall-to-diaphragm To do this, use newly developed macro-element able to simulate in-plane out-of-plane non-linear springs wall-to-wall connections. As an unretrofitted case study, model building shake table, large displacements. We then three retrofit interventions: Retrofitted diaphragms, connections, show that strengthening alone ineffective capacity connection exceeded. This also means modelling unstrengthened as having infinite leads unrealistic box-type behaviour. particularly important if should global local failure modes.