The Role of In-Plane Floor Stiffness in the Seismic Behaviour of Traditional Buildings

Abstract eng:
The structural behavior of an existing masonry building subjected to seismic action, is strongly affected by the in-plane stiffness of the floors, and by the connections between the horizontal diaphragms and the masonry walls. The aim of the research is to experimentally evaluate the behavior of timber floor refurbished using different techniques, with special regard to the in-plane stiffness. The size adopted for the specimens (5 m span, 4 m width), is similar to the ordinary dimensions of timber floors in historical buildings in Italy. Taking into account the size of the specimens, and the need to determine the in-plane strength and stiffness of the floor, a special test set-up has been designed and adopted in order to allow the free in-plane deformation of the floor itself subjected to lateral load: the load configuration applied to the floor simulates the effect of seismic action on the floor. The experimental phase of the research aims to calibrate engineered models that can be used for studying existing structures.

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