Seismic response of hybrid-LVL coupled walls under quasi-static and pseudo-dynamic testing

2007 NZSEE Conference ABSTRACT: Innovative seismic resisting connections for laminated veneer lumber (LVL) timber multi-storey buildings have been recently presented by the authors, based on the combination of unbonded post-tensioning techniques and additional sources of dissipation. As part of an extensive research campaign underway at the University of Canterbury, alternatives solutions for beam-column subassemblies, wall-to-foundation and column-to-foundation connections have been developed, implemented and successfully tested under either quasi-static cyclic and pseudo-dynamic testing regimes. In this paper, the implementation and experimental validation, under both quasi-static cyclic and pseudo-dynamic testing protocols, of post-tensioned/dissipating coupled solid wall systems with different coupling configurations and dissipation devices (i.e. mild steel dissipaters and multi-nailed plywood sheets) is presented. The research investigations confirmed the high seismic performance of these connections and systems, as well as the low-costs and the easy practicality of their implementation on site.