Potential of hybrid steel-timber frames as sustainable seismic structures

The growing focus on sustainability in structural engineering has driven the development of innovative solutions for constructions with reduced environmental impact. Timber is a renewable material with a low carbon footprint, which has become a key element for sustainability. Nowadays, it is used for all timber buildings, as well as in combination with other materials, like concrete, steel and glass, realizing hybrid structures. In this perspectives, hybrid steel-timber structural systems are emerging as promising solution, exploiting the sustainability, lightness and fire resistance of timber together with the strength, stiffness and ductility of steel. This paper briefly explores the potential of hybrid steel-timber framed structural types. Then, starting from an overview of current trends in hybrid steel-timber framed structures, the possible typologies are identified and a preliminary seismic design of selected archetypes is provided, highlighting pros and cons of the solutions investigated in terms of structural weight.