A new hybrid steel–timber rocking seismic force resisting system equipped with U-shaped fuse connections

Abstract

This paper introduces a new low-damage hybrid steel–timber rocking braced frame with self-centring capability and proposes a design methodology in the framework of Canadian design standards. This system consists of a gravity load-resisting timber frame and a steel concentrically braced frame acting as the lateral load-resisting system that is connected using U-shaped steel fuses. The self-centring capability is achieved by post-tensioning strands and rocking bases within the lateral load-resisting system. The system, along with its components, is first introduced. The proposed design method and system performance objectives are then presented. The seismic performance of the system and the proposed design procedure are validated through numerical analyses considering the interaction between the lateral and gravity load-resisting systems. The results of dynamic analyses confirm the enhanced seismic performance of the proposed hybrid system with almost no residual deformations after the earthquake. Moreover, the proposed design guidelines can accurately predict the system’s seismic response and demands imposed on the members.