Dissipative torsional device for seismic protection of timber frames

摘要

Aiming at improving the seismic performance of timber frames, an experimental campaign on the use of an innovative dissipative device has been undertaken. The device is composed by a steel rod inserted into the beam-to-column joint, which dissipates energy by means of a torsional mechanism, which is activated by beam-to-column relative rotational displacements. The choice of an appropriate geometrical configuration allows the calibration of strength, stiffness and ductility; in addition, the above joint can be easily replaced without applying any provisional support. In this paper, the results of the first experimental tests, which have been carried out on specimens representing both traditional nailed joints and innovative torsional dissipative joints, are provided. They show that the proposed system can be effectively and profitably used to increase the seismic performance of new and existing timber frames.