Proposed new hysteresis model for dowel-type connections of timber lateral load resisting systems

The load–deformation behaviour of dowel-type connections plays a critical role in governing the seismic performance of timber lateral load-resisting systems (LLRS) such as timber braced frames (TBF). Despite numerous experimental investigations on dowel-type connections, little research has focused on developing hysteretic models capable of accurately simulating their monotonic and cyclic behaviour. This study introduces a new model, GVDHysteretic, capable of simulating monotonic and cyclic characteristics of dowel-type connections, using relatively few parameters as inputs. The model was implemented in OpenSees and validated with published experimental test results of various LLRSs. Comparative analyses were conducted alongside currently available hysteretic model, whereby the proposed model achieved closer agreement with experimental test results, particularly in simulating initial slack, loading/unloading and reloading stiffness, strength, cyclic degradation, and pinching behaviour. The seismic performance of full-scale archetypes with TBF was evaluated using the proposed model and available hysteresis models. The results of the seismic collapse assessment demonstrated that the choice of the hysteretic model and modelling methodology can significantly affect the results of the analyses at system-level. The implications of not accurately capturing the intricacies exhibited in LLRS involving dowel-type connections may cause unconservative designs being given a satisfactory outcome, as well as unrepresentative predictions of system-level behaviour during seismic events.