Mathematical modelling of timber-framed walls using fictive diagonal elements

Abstract This paper presents mathematical modelling of timber-framed wall where a braced frame with one fictive diagonal is used. The model is suitable for analysis of lateral loads on the structure. Its advantage compared to other models is its simplicity, the fact that it is easy to use in practise, and its suitability for use with simpler and cheaper programs for static and dynamic analysis. Further numerical calculations were performed, which showed good approximation with experimental studies and with the finite element method. The Tower 6 program for static and dynamic analysis has been used to model timber-framed walls. Appropriate stiffness of timber-framed wall is obtained by varying the cross-section of the fictive diagonal. Because the cross-section of the fictive diagonal is directly connected to the analytical calculation of the stiffness of the timber-framed wall, this model is also able to factor in different spacing distance, different sheathing boards, the appearance of tensile cracks in a sheathing board, as well as walls with glazing or openings.