Seismic loss and resilience assessment of CLT coupled walls and Glulam moment resisting frame system
Evaluating the seismic resilience of tall buildings, particularly in high-seismic zones, is critical to minimize economic losses and post-earthquake downtime. This study assesses the seismic loss and resilience of a 20-storey dual timber-based structural system combining Cross-Laminated Timber Coupled Walls (CLTCWs) and a Glulam Moment-Resisting Frame (GMRF). Using the FEMA P-58 methodology, intensity- and time-based seismic losses — including repair costs, downtime, and functional recovery — are quantified. Additionally, the TREADS framework is utilized to estimate building’s recovery time, shelter-in-place and functionality, considering impeding factors. The results indicate that, compared with the GMRF components, the CLTCWs sustain relatively higher damage levels; however, the system’s overall resilience is enhanced by the replaceable components in the CLTCWs, which facilitate efficient post-earthquake repairs. GMRF components, particularly beam–column and column-base joints, exhibit lower damage states, contributing to the system’s robustness. Non-structural elements, such as wall finishes, traction elevators, and partitions, contribute to repair costs. Recovery time estimates highlight the influence of external impeding factors, particularly financing and resource availability, on post-earthquake building usability. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating resilience-based seismic design strategies in tall timber construction and highlight areas for future research, including refining fragility models for mass timber components. • Proposed a resilience assessment framework, integrating the FEMA P-58 methodology and TREADS repair time model. • The framework is utilized to evaluate the seismic loss and resilience of an innovative timber-based dual system. • Defined key building information models, including reconstruction cost, reconstruction time, component damage fragility and consequence functions, applicable to mass timber systems. • Demonstrated the effectiveness of replaceable components in enhancing seismic resilience and post-earthquake recovery of systems. • Identified critical building components that need consideration when applying a resilience-enhancement or design to the system.
Authors
- Solomon Tesfamariam (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5353-5250)
- Biniam Tekle Teweldebrhan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3379-3687)
Institutions
- University of Waterloo (CA)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering
- Published
- 2025-12-13
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soildyn.2025.110035
- Primary Topic
- Wood Treatment and Properties
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00