Shaking Table Testing of a Multi-Storey Post-tensioned Timber Building

This paper describes results of shaking table testing performed on a post-tensioned timber frame building 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 in Christchurch, New Zealand. The specimen is 3-dimensional, 3-storey, 2/3rd scale and is constructed using post-tensioned timber frames in both directions. During the testing programme the specimen was tested both with and without the addition of dissipative steel angle reinforcing which was designed to yield at a certain level of drift. These steel angles release energy through hysteresis during seismic loading, thus increasing damping. The first phase of the experimental campaign was made up of two different structural configurations with and without energy dissipating angles. This paper discusses the results of the experimental testing and presents comparisons with numerical outcomes using two non-linear finite element codes: SAP2000 and RUAUMOKO.