This paper examines CLT-steel hybrid systems at three, six, and nine storey heights to
increase seismic force resistance compared to a plain wood system. CLT panels are used as
infill in a steel moment frame combining the ductility of a steel moment frame system with a
stiffness and light weight of CLT panels. This system allows for the combination of high
strength and ductility of steel with high stiffness and light weight of timber. This thesis
examines the seismic response of this type of hybrid seismic force resisting system (SFRS) in
regions with moderate to high seismic hazard indices. A detailed non-linear model of a 2D
infilled frame system and compared to the behavior of a similar plain steel frame at each
height.
Parametric analysis was performed determining the effect of the panels and the connection
configuration, steel frame design, and panel configuration in a multi-bay system. Static
pushover loading was applied alongside semi-static cyclic loading to allow a basis of
comparison to future experimental tests. Dynamic analysis using ten ground motions linearly
scaled to the uniform hazard spectra for Vancouver, Canada with a return period of 2% in 50
years as, 10% in 50 years, and 50% in 50 years to examine the effect of infill panels on the
interstorey drift of the three, six, and nine storey. The ultimate and yield strength and drift
capacity are determined and used to determine the overstrength and ductility factors as
described in the National Building Code of Canada 2010.
This study illustrates the range of possible wood construction approaches for school buildings that are up to four storeys in height. As land values continue to rise, particularly in higher-density urban environments, schools with smaller footprints will become increasingly more necessary to satisfy enrollment demands. There are currently a number of planned new school projects throughout British Columbia that anticipate requiring either three-or four-storey buildings, and it is forecasted that the demand for school buildings of this size will continue to rise.
This study is closely related to the report Risk Analysis and Alternative Solution for Three- and Four-Storey Schools of Mass Timber and/or Wood-Frame Construction prepared by GHL Consultants, which explores the building code related considerations of wood construction for school buildings that are up to four storeys in height. Though wood construction offers a viable structural material option for these buildings, the British Columbia Building Code (BCBC 2018) currently limits schools comprised of wood construction to a maximum of two storeys, while also imposing limits on the overall floor area. As such, the reader is referred to the GHL report for further information regarding building code compliance (with a particular emphasis on fire protection) for wood school buildings.
North American building codes currently provide strict limits on height of wood structures, where for example, in Canada wood structures are limited to 4 or 5 storeys. This paper examines wood-steel hybrid system to increase seismic force resistance beyo...
