Analytical predictions of the seismic response of friction damped timber shear walls

Abstract A new concept for the earthquake resistant design of timber shear wall structures is proposed. By providing friction devices in the corners of the framing system of the shear wall, its earthquake resistance and damage control potential can be enhanced considerably. During severe earthquake excitations, the friction devices slip and a large portion of the seismic energy input is dissipated by friction rather than by inelastic deformation of the sheathing‐to‐framing connectors. A simple numerical model is developed and results of inelastic time‐history dynamic analyses show the superior performance of the friction damped timber shear walls compared to conventional shear wall systems. The proposed friction devices act both as safety valves by limiting the inertia forces transmitted to the structure, and as structural dampers by dissipating a significant portion of the seismic energy input. The devices can be used in any configuration of the framing system to accommodate architectural or construction requirements. The damping system may also be conveniently incorporated in existing timber shear wall buildings to upgrade significantly their earthquake resistance.