Influence of openings on shear capacity of wooden walls

In structural design of timber structures the load-bearing capacity of fenestrated wall segments usually is not taken into account when earthquake resistance analysis is carried out. Some recent experimental and parametric studies show that fenestrated wall segments may significantly contribute to earthquake resistance of wooden buildings. The load bearing capacity and stiffness of fenestrated wooden walls is influenced by dimensions and layout of openings. The exact numerical models are reliable only if they passed the appropriate experimental validation and verification. Therefore, at University of Ljubljana, the series of racking tests of fenestrated solid cross-laminated wooden panels were carried out to supply experimental data needed for computational model development. The main objective of testing was to understand the global response of fenestrated panels and to obtain data for verification and validation of response of the panel. Numerical model was developed and parametric study carried out by commercial software SAP2000 - Version 8 Nonlinear. Main parameters of interest were related to nonlinear behavior of anchors. Developed and justified mathematical model of experimentally tested panel was used for development of further mathematical models of panels having different patterns of fenestrations. Models were systematically numerically tested by SAP2000 and results of calculation presented in form of parametric study. Parametric study resulted in diagrams that will serve for engineering judgment of fenestration influence on stiffness and load-bearing capacity of solid-wood wall panels. It was concluded that regularly positioned openings in surface equal up to 30 % of panel surface do not much influence on load-bearing capacity when stiffness is reduced for about 50 %.