New low damage timber frame solution for multi-storey office type buildings

The focus of seismic design is shifting from providing for life safety only to also minimising damage to the building. A brief review of passive structural control methods is provided followed by a description of friction sliding connections and rocking lateral load resisting systems. A gravity rocking moment connection with friction energy dissipation is proposed for office type timber multi-storey buildings. Preliminary testing of a 1:20 scale model has shown excellent low-damage performance with high energy dissipation and good self-centring characteristics.