HE Xiaobin1, GAO Yonglin1, 2, 3, WU Tao1, NING Peng1, 2, SU Hexian1, 2, LAI Zhengcong1, 2
Journal of Vibration and Shock. 2026, 45(20): 244-256.
To investigate the mechanism of how Eave Step Frames influence the seismic performance of Chuan-dou Style Timber Frames, a typical Chuan-dou-style residential building in Shiping, Yunnan, was used as the prototype. Three two-story, two-span full-scale Chuan-dou timber frame models with eave step frames and three without were designed and constructed. Quasi-static cyclic loading tests were conducted to compare seismic performance parameters such as hysteretic behavior, ultimate bearing capacity, lateral stiffness, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation. The experimental results showed that, compared to the specimens without eave step frames, the specimens with eave step frames exhibited a 67.9% increase in lateral stiffness and a 42.5% increase in ultimate bearing capacity during the positive loading yield stage, while the differences in these parameters during negative loading were minimal. The stiffness degradation of specimens with eave step frames was slower, with a final secant stiffness 35.73% higher than that of specimens without eave step frames. The specimens without eave step frames demonstrated smaller slippage in the jinzhu and rear columns, indicating better self-centering capability. However, the presence of eave step frames increased slippage at the base of the rear columns, reducing the overall energy dissipation capacity. Slippage at the base of the eave columns aggravated the positive inclination of the specimens, leading to severe joint damage, but the inter-story drift angle margin increased by 12.3%, enhancing collapse resistance. Under negative loading, structural failure was more likely to occur. Recommendations for improving the overall seismic performance of timber frames were proposed, focusing on vulnerable areas, providing a basis for refining relevant codes and guiding the restoration and reinforcement of traditional timber structures.
