Performance and Drift Levels of Tall Timber Frame Buildings under Seismic and Wind Loads

This paper discusses the potential for use of multi-story timber frames when subjected to earthquake and wind loadings. With the advent of new technologies and materials, such as laminating and composite-fibre reinforcement, the performance of tall spatial timber frames can be significantly enhanced. Two issues are of concern when designing tall timber frames: flexibility that translates into relatively large drifts and non-linearity that represents uncertainty in estimating fundamental periods. This article focuses on the potentials and limitations in designing tall timber frames from serviceability and safety points of view.