FULL-SCALE DESTRUCTIVE TESTS ON WOOD LIGHTFRAME STRUCTURES

摘要

Full-scale destructive structural testing of a wood light-frame structure (WLFS) under simulated wind loads was conducted as part of a research programme on how low-rise buildings behave during extreme storms. The primary objective was to collect data for verification of 3-dimensional numerical structural modelling techniques presented in a parallel 1 lth WCTE paper. The test structure was a 3.65m x 2.13m x 2.44m box-type WLFS with small overhangs at the roof level. Stud walls were anchored directly at the base/foundation. Load was applied on three surfaces via special vacuum-pressure loading devices, with one wall subjected to positive/active pressure and the roof and other wall to negative/suction pressure. Testing involved a pressure regime that realistically simulated strong wind events, with loading applied incrementally to represent different approaching wind velocities. Deformation response of the structure was recorded at critical locations, plus the superstructure-to-foundation force distribution was measured via load cells sandwiched between the specimen and supporting steel beams. This paper presents and interprets test results, and compares the laboratory responses with those predicted by 3-dimensional numerical models.