Performance of timber buildings under seismic load. Part 1: experimental studies

Several comprehensive research programmes were initiated recently in North America and Japan to improve our understanding of the seismic performance of timber buildings. A large database of experimental results and innovative modelling approaches were developed in these programmes. This paper is Part 1 of a two-part series. It provides brief summaries of the performance of timber structures in the Northridge and Kobe earthquakes, and reports highlights from the state-of-art North American and Japanese experimental research activities. Part 2 of the paper will focus on the modelling aspect of this interesting and important problem.