Experimental testing and analysis of damage-resistant rocking glulam walls with lead extrusion dampers

When rocking structures are designed, dampers may be required to substitute conventional connections to provide load resistance and dissipate the rocking motion. This study investigates the applicability of High-Force-to-Volume (HF2V) damping devices in rocking timber structures. HF2V devices present an attractive solution since the device does not suffer stiffness or strength degradation and can be reused after an earthquake. Laboratory tests on loaded and unloaded timber walls using two HF2V devices per wall were carried out. The applicability of the devices in timber walls was investigated focusing on damper functioning, the influence of the vertical load on the self-centering behaviour of the dampers, and possible slip in all connections. The results show that the devices functioned as intended and no significant damage occurred in the devices or the timber walls. HF2V devices present a feasible solution for rocking timber walls when a damage free structural behaviour is aimed for.