A nonlinear three dimensional (3D) finite element model of part of a contemporary timber-framed house for assessing the load sharing and contribution of lining elements to load sharing is presented in this paper. Assembled with inter-component connections (i.e. batten to cladding, batten to truss and roof to wall connections), the model consists of structural frame elements (e.g. trusses, battens, metal roof cladding, top-plates, bottom plates and wall studs) and lining elements (e.g. ceiling, wall lining and ceiling cornice). The model analysis are compared with full-scale structural tests and the results agree favorably with that of the full-scale tests. The model analysis shows that adding lining elements decrease the vertical reaction of the roof to wall connection by about 25%.
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