Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
ABSTRACT
This paper describes the numerical modelling of post-tensioned timber (Pres-Lam) frame systems
under non-linear dynamic and static loading. From the conception of the post-tensioned jointed ductile
concept it has been clear that the nature of its controlled rocking mechanism leant itself well to the use
of a lumped plasticity approach. This approach combines the use of elastic elements with springs
representing plastic rotations in the system. Two experimental testing campaigns have been used in
order to confirm the effectiveness of this modelling technique in predicting both the global (frame)
and local (beam-column) response of these systems.
The first of these tests was a full scale beam-column joint tested quasi-statically and the second
was a 3-dimensional, 3-storey, 2/3rd scale multi-storey post-tensioned timber frame building tested
dynamically. During the testing programmes the specimens were tested both with and without the
addition of dissipative steel angles which were designed to yield at a certain level of drift. These steel
angles release energy through hysteresis during lateral frame movement thus increasing damping.
Both structures were modelled using a lumped plasticity approach with springs that were calibrated
against the moment rotation design procedure used for post-tensioned timber connections.
This work has proved the adequacy of the use of two numerical modelling programs,
RUAUMOKO and SAP2000, in providing accurate representation of structural response when
calibrated against current design procedures. All testing was performed in the structural laboratory of
the University of Basilicata in Potenza, Italy. This experimental campaign is part of a series of
experimental tests in collaboration with the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.
INTRODUCTION
Increasingly in the design of structures, engineers rely on the use of Non-linear Time History Analysis
(NTHA) in order to verify building performance under design seismic loading. During the use of these
models several trade-offs are made between complexity, accuracy, programming time, and processing
time. In design it is crucial that simple models exist which provide sufficiently accurate building
response without requiring a large amount of time in processing or programming.
1
PhD Candidate, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy, michelesimonetti04@virgilio.it
2
PhD Graduand, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand, tobias.smith@canterbury.ac.nz
3
Prof, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy, felice.ponzo@unibas.it
4
Dr Eng, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy, antodice@yahoo.it
5
Prof, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand, stefano.pampanin@canterbury.ac.nz
6
Mr, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy, domenico.nigro@unibas.it
1
The post-tensioned timber concept (under the name Pres-Lam) was developed at the University
of Canterbury and has been extensively tested in the structural laboratories of the university
(Buchanan et al. 2008; Palermo et al. 2005a; Smith et al. 2007). The system, originally conceived for
use in concrete structures (Priestley et al. 1999), combines post-tensioning and dissipative reinforcing
in order to provide moment resistant connections. During the course of the post-tensioned timber
project several authors have used lumped plasticity modelling to replicate experimental testing
however the predictive dynamic abilities of this approach, with regards to post-tensioned timber
frames, have not been studied.
This paper presents the numerical modelling of two test specimens: a full-scale beam-column
joint, and a 2/3rd scale, three-storey post-tensioned timber frame building both tested in the structural
laboratory of the University of Basilicata (UNIBAS) in Potenza, Italy. Numerical models of both
structures were created prior to testing in order to predict lateral response. Models were calibrated
against current post-tensioned timber design procedures and adequately predicted non-linear static
(beam-column) and dynamic (frame) response.
DESIGN CONCEPT
2
M. Simonetti T. Smith F. C. Ponzo A. Di Cesare S Pampanin D Nigro 3
also be accounted for. The final two rotation contributions make up the total rotation of the connection
(θcon). These two contributions are defined as the interface rotation (θint) and the gap rotation (θgap) and
are calculated and act separately. Before decompression occurs an initial stiffness relating to the
compression perpendicular to the grain on the column face is present. This initial stiffness is not
captured by the design procedure used to calculate the post decompression behaviour and therefore
must be evaluated separately. This ‘interface rotation’ thus acts before the decompression point of the
beam (i.e. before the gap opens) and the gap rotation occurs after decompression.
Following decompression the Modified Monolithic Beam Analogy (MMBA) is used (Palermo
2004). This method draws an analogy between the deformations and stresses in a hybrid joint and
those occurring in a standard concrete connection. This procedure can be simply applied to the design
of a post-tensioned timber connection provided a few simple considerations are made. The procedure
involves the imposing of the gap rotation (θgap) and the initial estimation of a neutral axis value (c).
Using the design procedure, the forces in the post-tensioning tendon, compression in the timber, and
the force in any dissipative element are calculated. Force equilibrium is then checked and if not
satisfied a new value of c is selected. Once force equilibrium is verified the moment contributions are
added in series about a common point.
NUMERICAL MODELLING
Figure 3. The multi-spring (left) and rotational spring (right) interface model
As mentioned above the joint panel rotations of a post-tensioned timber frame are not negligible
and in order to model this a rotational spring is added in the joint panel region. Previously all
modelling of post-tensioned timber beam-column joints has been performed using the finite element
program RUAUMOKO (Carr 2006) using both multi-spring and rotational spring approaches
(Newcombe et al. 2010b). During this research, the more widely used SAP2000 structural calculation
program (Computers and Structures 2004) was used and compared with testing results.
Spring calibration
All analysis results presented have been calibrated against the moment rotation response provided by
the design procedure described above with the parameters of the rotational springs being set to match
the predicted rotational response. Post-tensioning was represented using tri-linear elastic elements for
both models with bounded Ramberg-Osgood (Kaldjian 1967) and Buoc-Wen (Wen 1980) rotational
spring models used to represent the steel elements in the RUAUMOKO and SAP2000 model,
respectively.
Calibration of the multi-spring element was performed by altering the stiffness of the spring
elements until the three parameters of moment (Mt), post-tension force (Tpt) and neutral axis depth (c)
accurately replicated analytical values for a set level of initial post-tensioning force. Following
calibration it was simply necessary to change the initial compression value across the gap (due to post-
tensioning elements) in order to predict the performance of the different initial testing states. As the
multi-spring model can accurately predict the gap opening, and consequent displacements, axial
springs were used to represent the performance of the yielding steel angle reinforcement. These were
calibrated against testing results obtained for a single angle element subjected to cyclic axial loading
and a Bounded Ramberg-Osgood hysteric rule was used. SAP2000 does not contain a multi-spring
model therefore only a rotational spring model was used at the beam-column joint interface. The input
of the interface elements into the two models is essentially identical however the length of the
rotational spring differed slightly. In the RUAUMOKO analysis the standard practice of setting the
spring length to 1 mm was employed however this proved unstable when applied to the SAP model
and a 10 mm spring length was used.
4
M. Simonetti T. Smith F. C. Ponzo A. Di Cesare S Pampanin D Nigro 5
Figure 5. Base connection modelling options considered for frame numerical model
6
M. Simonetti T. Smith F. C. Ponzo A. Di Cesare S Pampanin D Nigro 7
1. This smaller set of seismic intensities was progressively increased in acceleration until the design
performance criterion was achieved.
Table 1. Characteristics of selected earthquakes and comparison with the code spectrum
30 2
Sa (m/sec ) 196
ID Code Location Mw PGA (g)
535*1.5
1228*1.5
20
001228x Izmit, Turkey 7.6 0.357 Average
Code Spectrum
10
000196x Montenegro 6.9 0.454
Erzican, 0
000535y 6.6 0.769 0 1 2 Tsc (sec) 3
Turkey
Moment (kNm)
40 40
10 10
20 5 20 5
0 0 0 0
-20 50kN Initial -5 -5
-20
-10 -10
-40 100kN Initial -40
-15 -15
-60 150 kN Initial -60
-20 -20
200kN Initial PT ONLY 100kN Initial
-80 -25 -80 -25
250kN Initial -30 PT 100kN Initial Double Angle
-100 -100 -30
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3
Drift (%) Drift (%)
Displacement (mm) Displacement (mm)
-80 -40 0 40 80 -80 -40 0 40 80
100 30 100 30
80 Moment/Force to Column Top 25 80 Moment/Force to Column Top 25
Force to Column Top (kN)
v Drift/Displacement 20 v Drift/Displacement 20
60 60
15 15
Moment (kNm)
Moment (kNm)
40 40
10 10
20 5 20 5
0 0 0 0
-20 -5 -20 -5
-10 -10
-40 -40
-15 -15
-60 -20 -60 -20
PT ONLY 150 kN Initial PT ONLY 200 kN Initial
-80 -25 -80 -25
PT 150 kN Initial Double Angle PT 200 kN Initial Double Angle
-100 -30 -100 -30
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3
Drift (%) Drift (%)
Figure 8. Post-tensioned (PT) beam-column connection testing results: a) PT Only Testing, b) 100 kN Initial
with and without Dissipation, c) 150 kN Initial with and without Dissipation and d) 250 kN Initial with and
without Dissipation
Three storey dynamic frame testing
A series of shaking table tests with increasing PGA levels were performed both with and without
dissipative devices. Figure 9 shows the total input force as measured by the dynamic actuator versus
first floor drift at 75% and 100% of PGA intensity for model without and with dissipative steel angles,
respectively, considering three seismic inputs. The figure clearly shows the development of the typical
flag-shaped behaviour when dissipative steel angles were added as was seen for the beam-column
quasi-static testing described above. Figure 10 shows photos of the maximum response of the structure
during testing with the dissipative reinforcing subjected to ground motion 000535y at a PGA intensity
level of 100%.
150
001228x 000196x 000535y
100
Ram force (kN)
50
-50
-100
Shaking foundation ram force versus first floor drift
-150
a) -4 -2 0 2 -4
4 -2 0 2 -4
4 -2 0 2 4
First floor drift (%)
150
001228x 000196x 000535y
100
Ram force (kN)
50
-50
-100
Shaking foundation ram force versus first floor drift
-150
-4 -2 0 2 -4
4 -2 0 2 -4
4 -2 0 2 4
b) First floor drift (%)
Figure 9. Shaking foundation ram force versus first floor drift for test model a) without dissipation (75%PGA)
and b) with dissipation (100%PGA)
Figure 10. Maximum positive and negative drift response of the structure with dissipation (000535y at 100%).
8
M. Simonetti T. Smith F. C. Ponzo A. Di Cesare S Pampanin D Nigro 9
models do not adequately reproduce the unloading behaviour of the joint. This is due to the way in
which the angle elements are modelled. In the multi-spring model only positive displacement is
applied which creates a larger hysteretic area than the rotational spring model where loading is also
reversed (+ve and –ve rotations).
The failure to replicate unloading impacts on the hysteretic damping prediction of the model,
and the value of equivalent viscous damping (related to the ability of joints to dissipate input energy
through yielding). For the test cycle shown in Figure 11 the values of equivalent viscous damping are
shown in Table 2. As shown, both rotational spring models tend to under estimate the value of
damping while the multi-spring model overestimates damping.
The models presented all provide reasonably accurate predictions of the non-linear static
response of the beam-column joint. The rotational spring models have been shown to be almost
identical between the two programmes used with the only difference being the selection of hysteric
rule used based on the available hysteric rules of each selected calculation program.
25 25 25
50 kN Initial 150 kN Initial 250 kN Initial
20 20 20
Force (kN)
Force (kN)
Force (kN)
15 15 15
10 10 10
5 5 5
0 0 0
0 20 40 60 80 0 20 40 60 80 0 20 40 60 80
Displacement (mm) Displacement (mm) Displacement (mm)
30 PT 100 kN 30 PT 150 kN 30
Force (kN)
Force (kN)
Force (kN)
2 Angles 2 Angles
20 20 20
10 10 10 PT 250 kN
2 Angles
0 0 0
0 20 40 60 80 0 20 40 60 80 0 20 40 60 80
Displacement (mm) Displacement (mm) Displacement (mm)
Test Results SAP2000 Rotational Ruaumoko Rotational Ruaumoko Multi-Spring
Table 3. Comparison between dynamic experimental behaviour and SAP2000 blind predictions
T1 = 0.53s
T2 = 0.13s
T3 = 0.06s
-0.05 -0.05
-0.15 -0.15
0 5 10 15 20 0 5 10 15 20
0.15 0.15
535
0.05 0.05
-0.05 -0.05
-0.15 -0.15
0 5 10 15 20 0 5 10 15 20
0.15 0.15
1228
0.05 0.05
-0.05 -0.05
-0.15 -0.15
0 5 10 15 20 0 5 10 15 20
Figure 12. 3rd floor displacement comparisons between SAP2000, RUAUMOKO and testing results without (on
the left) and with (on the right) dissipative
Three key indicators have been selected for comparison between the testing results and the
numerical models and are displayed in Figure 13: the maximum 1st level drift, the maximum 3rd level
acceleration and the maximum base shear for the configuration with and without steel angles at
varying PGA intensity levels. As shown in Figure 13, the numerical predictions provided an accurate
representation of the experimental performance for both numerical models showing differences of less
than 20 – 25% when compared with experimental outcomes. For this test frame the SAP2000 model
provided a more accurate prediction of maximum test response.
10
M. Simonetti T. Smith F. C. Ponzo A. Di Cesare S Pampanin D Nigro 11
1.2
60 1.5
0.8
40 1
0.4 Average Testing
20 0.5 Average SAP
Average RUA
0 0 0
1.2
60 1.5
0.8
40 1
0.4 Average Testing
20 0.5 Average SAP
Average RUA
0 0 0
0 20 40 60 80 100 0 20 40 60 80 100 0 20 40 60 80 100
Percentage of PGA
Figure 13. Comparison between SAP2000, RUAUMOKO and experimental results.
CONCLUSIONS
This paper has presented an overview of the non-linear static and dynamic modelling for the
prediction of post-tensioned timber frame response. Recent quasi-static and dynamic post-tensioned
timber testing performed at the University of Basilicata in Potenza Italy has then been used to assess
the adequacy of these models in predicting response.
The models consisted of a series of elastic elements and non-linear springs which have been
calibrated against the current post-tensioned timber design procedure that has also been briefly
described. Two analysis programmes, RUAUMOKO and the more widely spread SAP2000 were used.
The ability of the non-linear model to predict the static local (beam-column joint) behaviour has
been verified through comparison against quasi-static beam-column testing. All models considered
accurately represented initial and non-linear stiffness as well as providing sufficiently accurate
representation of hysteretic energy dissipation.
The ability of the non-linear model to predict dynamic global (frame) response has been verified
through comparison against 2/3rd scale dynamic frame testing. Firstly the dynamic characteristics (first
three natural periods) of the test frame were compared favourably against results provided by the
numerical models. Secondly the key parameters of third floor displacement, maximum base shear,
maximum drift and maximum third floor acceleration were compared. All values were accurately
(within 20%) predicted with the SAP2000 programme providing improved accuracy for this test
frame. During testing a complex multi-spring model was used at the base of the column which may
not be feasible for use outside of research applications.
In a world were practicing engineers are relying increasingly on the use of non-linear static
(push-overs) and dynamic (NLTH) analysis it is important that the models used are robust and able to
predict system response. Current methods for the non-linear analysis of post-tensioned timber
buildings have been compared against a selection of test results. This comparison has shown that the
modelling techniques were able to predict with sufficient accuracy both local and global response
providing further confidence in their use in design.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Authors would like to acknowledge the financial support of the Structural Timber Innovation
Company (STIC, New Zealand) and FederLegnoArredo (FLA, Italy).
REFERENCES
Buchanan, A., Deam, B., Fragiacomo, M., Pampanin, S., and Palermo, A. (2008). "Multi-Storey Prestressed
Timber Buildings in New Zealand." Journal of the International Association for Bridge and Structural
Engineering, 18(2), 166-173.
Buchanan, A. H., and Fairweather, R. H. (1993). "Seismic Design of Glulam Structures." Bulletin of the New
Zealand Society for Eathquake Engineering, 26(4), 415-436.
Carr, A. (2006). "RUAUMOKO." A. Carr, Christchurch, New Zealand, Inelastic Dynamic Analysis Software.
fib Bulletin 27. (2004). "Seismic Design of Precast Concrete Building Structures." fib
CSI Computers and Structures Inc. (2004). "SAP2000: Static and Dynamic Finite Analysis of Structures."
Berkeley, CA, USA.
Dolce, M., Moroni, C., Nigro, D., Ponzo, F. C., Santarsiero, G., Croce, M. D., Canio, G. D., Ranieri, N.,
Caponero, M., Berardis, S., Goretti, A., Spina, D., Lamonaca, B., and Marnetto, R. (2006). "TREMA
Project Experimental Evaluation of the Seismic Performance of a R/C 1/4 Scaled Model Upgraded with
the DIS-CAM System " 2nd International fib Congress, Naples, Italy.
NTC. (2008). "Norme Tecniche per le Costruzioni." Il Ministro delle Infrastrutture.
Kaldjian, M. J. (1967). "Moment-curvature of Beams as Ramberg-Osgood functions." Journal of the Structural
Division, American Society of Civil Engineers, 93(ST5), 53-65.
Newcombe, M., Cusiel, M., Pampanin, S., Palermo, A., and Buchanan, A. H. (2010a). "Simplified Design of
Post-tensioned Timber Frames." CIB W18 Workshop on Timber Structures, Nelson, New Zealand.
Newcombe, M. P., Pampanin, S., and Buchanan, A. H. (2010b). "Numerical Modelling and Analysis of a Two-
Storey Post-Tensioned Timber Frame with Floor Diaphragms." 14th European Conference on
Earthquake Engineering, Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia.
Palermo, A. (2004). "The Use of Controlled Rocking in the Seismic Design of Bridges," Politecnico di Milano,
Milan.Doctor of Engineering.
Palermo, A., Pampanin, S., Buchanan, A., and Newcombe, M. (2005a). "Seismic Design of Multi-Storey
Buildings using Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL)." 2005 New Zealand Society for Earthquake
Engineering Conference, Wairakei Resort, Taupo, New Zealand.
Palermo, A., Pampanin, S., and Carr, A. (2005b). "Efficiency of Simplified Alternative Modelling Approaches to
Predict the Seismic Responce of Precast Concrete Hybrid Systems." fib symposium "Keep Concrete
Attractive, Budapest, Hungary.
Ponzo, F., Di Cesare, A., Nigro, D., and Smith, T. (2011). "Dissipative Steel Angles Devices for the Increased
Seismic Performance of Low Level Damping Systems." XXIII Congresso CTA, Lacco Ameno, Ischia,
Italy.
Ponzo, F. C., Smith, T., Di Cesare, A., Pampanin, S., Carradine, D., and Nigro, D. (2012). "Shaking Table Test
of a Multistorey Post-tensioned Glulam Building: Design and Construction." 12th World Conference on
Timber Engineering, Auckland, New Zealand.
Priestley, N., Sritharan, S., Conley, J., and Pampanin, S. (1999). "Preliminary Results and Conclusions From the
PRESSS Five-Story Precast Concrete Test Building." PCI Journal(November-December 1999), 42-67.
Smith, T., Ludwig, F., Pampanin, S., Fragiacomo, M., Buchanan, A., Deam, B., and Palermo, A. (2007).
"Seismic Response of Hybrid-LVL Coupled Walls Under Quasi-Static and Pseudo-Dynamic Testing."
2007 New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering Conference, Palmerston North, New Zealand,
8.
Smith, T., Ponzo, F. C., Di Cesare, A., Pampanin, S., Carradine, D., Buchanan, A. H., and Nigro, D. (2014).
"Post-tensioned Glulam Beam-Column Joints with Advanced Damping Systems: Testing and
Numerical Analysis." Journal of Earthquake Engineering, 18(1), 147 - 167.
EN 1998-1:2003. (2003). "Design of structures for earthquake resistance - Part 1: General rules, seismic actions
and rules for buildings." European Committee for Standardization.
EN 1995-1-1:2004. (2004). "Design of Timber Structures Part 1-1: General - Common Rules and Rules for
Buildings." European Committee for Standardization.
Wen, Y. (1980). "Equivalent Linearization for Hysteretic Systems under Random Excitation." ASME Journal for
Applied Mechanics, 47(1), 150-154.
12