Whole Structure Testing and Analysis of a Light-Frame Building (Three Reports)

This series of reports is a must for those interested in knowing how light-frame buildings of conventional construction really perform under lateral (wind or seismic) loading. The three reports give a rigorous evaluation of the performance of a whole building subjected to lateral loads. The building construction used in the testing is identical to conventional construction practice in the United States. The study focuses on force distribution through interior and exterior walls. Among the findings, roof framing, without special detailing, is found to have a rigid diaphragm; walls perpendicular to the load are found to resist 10 percent of the lateral force due to secondary effects; and conventional construction is found to provide tremendous ductility (continued load carrying capacity at displacements well beyond peak capacity).

Published in 2002
136 pages
$50.00