Author(s)

Z. Y. Chen, Y. H. Chui, C. Ni, G. Doudak & M. Mohammad

Abstract

In light wood frame buildings, diaphragm flexibility influences the load distribution between shear walls under lateral load induced by earthquake or wind action, which is important for structural design. A multiple spring model with the ability to represent the load-transferring behaviour of this complex lateral load resisting system of light wood frame buildings was developed. The developed model was validated with results from the more sophisticated model, spring deep-beam model. The lateral load distribution between shear walls with various stiffness ratios of diaphragm to shear wall was also investigated. Based on preliminary findings from this study, contrary to common belief, the forces transferred by a semi-rigid diaphragm to the supporting shear walls, may be higher than those predicted by flexible and rigid diaphragm assumptions. Keywords: light wood frame buildings, lateral load resisting system, diaphragm flexibility, load distribution.

Keywords

light wood frame buildings, lateral load resisting system, diaphragm flexibility, load distribution