Abstract

Existing heritage buildings are often composed of diverse structural typologies, representing a challenge for structural analysis. This work investigates the use of nonlinear static analysis to assess the seismic behaviour of hybrid timber-masonry buildings. The proposed methodology includes the use of Lumped Plasticity Models (LPM) and Macro-Mechanical Finite Element (FE) approaches to simulate the response of structures composed of timber frames and masonry walls. Benchmark experiments on timber and masonry specimens subjected to lateral loads are used to calibrate the constitutive laws governing the behaviour of the proposed models. The calibrated models are used to appraise the seismic response of an existing timber-masonry building located in the historical centre of Valparaíso (Chile). The results predict the nonlinear acceleration-displacement capacity of the buildings, as well as the expected damage of the structure, revealing the potential local and global failure mechanisms.