THE EFFECT OF HORIZONTAL TIES AND BRACES ON THE SEISMIC PERFORMANCE OF TRADITIONAL TIMBER HOUSES: THE CASE OF THE KAZANCILAR HOUSE IN SAFRANBOLU

The finite element method is widely used to evaluate the seismic performance of timber structures. In this study, the effect of horizontal ties and braces on the seismic behavior of timber-frame buildings is investigated through a case study of the Kazancılar House located in Safranbolu. The structure was modeled using SAP2000, and comparative modal analyses were performed employing the mode combination method. The results indicate that the removal of horizontal ties and braces leads to an increase in the dominant vibration periods by approximately 23-34% in both principal directions, accompanied by an increase of about 40% in maximum lateral displacements. These findings demonstrate that horizontal ties and braces enhance the global stiffness of timber structures by reducing vibration periods and displacement demands, thereby playing an important role in improving overall seismic performance.