Evaluation of Calculation Methods for Timber Light-Frame Shear Wall with Openings Using Analytical and Numerical Approaches
Abramchuk, Yauhen (2025)
2025
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025060319942
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025060319942
Tiivistelmä
This thesis critically investigated and assessed various calculation methods for timber light-frame shear walls containing window openings. Accurate determination of the stiffness and load-bearing capacity of such walls is essential, particularly within the context of prefabricated timber construction utilizing panelized elements. However, Eurocode 5 (EN 1995), the prevailing European standard, currently lacks explicit analytical methods for accurately calculating shear walls with openings as integrated structural units, creating uncertainties and inefficiencies in design practice.
To address this gap, the study compared classical analytical approaches (including methods specified by Eurocode 5, DIN 1052, and PD 6693-1) against numerical modeling techniques, particularly focusing on the Force Transfer Around Openings (FTAO) method, widely adopted in North America. Advanced numerical analyses were performed, using the finite element software RFEM6, employing models of varying complexity—from simplified two-dimensional simulations to detailed three-dimensional representations with nonlinear connection behaviors and realistic anchorage conditions. These numerical outcomes were subsequently validated through comparisons to experimental test data available within existing research literature.
The results showed a consistent agreement between the numerical predictions and the experimental data on ultimate bearing capacity, especially for shear walls reinforced with metal tension straps (FTAO approach). In contrast, the numerical models consistently gave significantly higher stiffness values compared to the experimental results, mainly due to the idealization associated with the stiffness of the connections. These differences highlight the importance of improving methods for numerical simulation of connector behavior, allowing realistic deformation scenarios of structures.
Overall, this study identified critical areas for methodology improvement and provided recommendations aimed at improving the accuracy of numerical modeling and design formulas for wood frame wall systems. Consequently, the study contributed to the development of safer, more efficient and sustainable timber construction methods.
To address this gap, the study compared classical analytical approaches (including methods specified by Eurocode 5, DIN 1052, and PD 6693-1) against numerical modeling techniques, particularly focusing on the Force Transfer Around Openings (FTAO) method, widely adopted in North America. Advanced numerical analyses were performed, using the finite element software RFEM6, employing models of varying complexity—from simplified two-dimensional simulations to detailed three-dimensional representations with nonlinear connection behaviors and realistic anchorage conditions. These numerical outcomes were subsequently validated through comparisons to experimental test data available within existing research literature.
The results showed a consistent agreement between the numerical predictions and the experimental data on ultimate bearing capacity, especially for shear walls reinforced with metal tension straps (FTAO approach). In contrast, the numerical models consistently gave significantly higher stiffness values compared to the experimental results, mainly due to the idealization associated with the stiffness of the connections. These differences highlight the importance of improving methods for numerical simulation of connector behavior, allowing realistic deformation scenarios of structures.
Overall, this study identified critical areas for methodology improvement and provided recommendations aimed at improving the accuracy of numerical modeling and design formulas for wood frame wall systems. Consequently, the study contributed to the development of safer, more efficient and sustainable timber construction methods.