Effects of in-plane strengthening of timber floors in the seismic response of existing masonry buildings

In this work, the influence of two in-plane stiffening and strengthening techniques of traditional timber floors realized with single layer of boards in the seismic response of existing masonry buildings is investigated via numerical approach. Two retrofitting methods have been considered: addition of 45° inclined timber boards and addition of a RC slab. The dynamic behaviour of a two-storey case-study building subjected to various seismic shocks has been analysed via non-linear finite-element modelling, in order to compare the effects of the adopted retrofitting methods. All the mechanical parameters introduced in the model were calibrated from experimental data obtained from literature. The 3D model takes into account the hysteretic behaviour of masonry and floors and allows to estimate the type of failure and the corresponding PGA.