Seismic performance of wood mid-rise structures

This report provides results of a state-of-the-art literature review of studies and surveys on seismic performance of wood structures. The review was performed to develop an understanding of the seismic response and design of mid-rise/multi-storey wood buildings and to explore gaps and challenges in the seismic design of these structures. This report includes summaries from results of the previous experimental, numerical and analytical studies as well as post-earthquake surveys on seismic response/resistance of wood buildings. The main structural systems considered in this study were wood light frames, commonly used in North America. The results of this review showed the dynamic response characteristics of multi-storey wood buildings, e.g. effects of higher modes, would play a major role in the seismic design of such structures. However, a proper design of timber structures would mitigate their damage and failure in the event of earthquakes.Peer reviewed: NoNRC publication: Ye