Thesis (Ph. D.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1993. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 180-192). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (M.S.)--Oregon State University, 2007. / Printout. Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the World Wide Web.

Thesis (M.E.)--University of Canterbury, 2008. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (p. 124-129). Also available via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (M.S.)--Oregon State University, 2010. / Printout. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 55-59). Also available on the World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Lehigh University, 2003. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 320-339).

This thesis presents a study of an ancient Chinese timber structure- the main hall of the Foguang temple built in China in the Tang Dynasty (857), which is regarded as one of the most important temples in that period. The research represents a detailed digital model of the structural timber components and their connectivity. The research questions are: - Firstly, how to identify and represent the structural components, and the ways they are assembled. This is not covered in the few previous studies of the temple, which just offered brief introductions and general descriptions of the construction of the timber structure. - Secondly, how to create a digital model for such a structure where there is insufficient or incompatible information. These are common issues that arise in the simulation and representation of historic architecture. The outcome of the research is the presentation of a digital model that is much more detailed than previously existing representations. During the process, two concepts were developed and adopted: - Firstly, the concept of "building an ideal model". Rather than seeking the representation of the timber structure as built, the notion outlined in this thesis is to create an ideal digital model according to the vocabulary of structural components and the predefined spatial relations of their assembly connectivity. - Secondly, the concept of "simplest adaptation". When choosing from a number of reasonable hypotheses about a component or assembly detail, it is assumed to be the simplest possible adaptation of an already accepted component or assembly detail. The thesis is organized as followings: Chapter 1: an introduction to the research on ancient Chinese architecture. Chapter 2: a review of the computer simulation and representation of historic architecture. Chapter 3: a discussion about the methodology on the concept of "building an ideal model", and the methodology for modelling when there is a lack of information. Chapter 4: a record of the digital modelling process. Chapter 5: discussions on and conclusions of the research. The thesis has an accompanying CD which contains the representation information, including: - A 2D 'Flash' presentation that shows the brief contents of the research. - 3D animations that represent in detail the timber structure and the assembly process. - A database that represents the structural components and their relations. / Thesis (M.Arch.)--School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture & Urban Design, 2005.

A considerable amount of research has focused on load-sharing and system effects in repetitive-member wood floor systems subject to transverse loading. However, relatively few studies have been conducted to investigate load-sharing and system effects in repetitive-member wall systems which may be subject to combined transverse and gravity (vertical) loading, and which may have different boundary conditions from floors. This research investigates load-sharing and system effects in light-frame wood wall systems and seeks to develop repetitive-member system factors for codified design that rationally account for load sharing and other system effects. These factors are intended for use in the design of individual wall members, much as repetitive-member factors are used in the design of parallel-member floor and roof systems. As part of this research, an analytical model was developed to account for partial composite action, two-way action, and openings in the wall system. The model was validated using experimental test results and was shown to be able to predict reasonably well the response of light-frame wall systems. The model was then incorporated into a Monte Carlo simulation to perform reliability analyses of light-frame wall systems. Since the structural model is complex, and including a time-history analysis within the time-dependent simulation was not computationally practical, the load combination issue was considered separately from the reliability analysis. Sensitivity studies were conducted to investigate how different system parameters affect strength and reliability of light-frame wall systems. The reliability of light-frame wall systems was next evaluated using a portfolio of representative light-frame wall systems designed according to current code provisions. This portfolio approach was also used in evaluating system factors for light-frame wall systems. Thus, two different approaches (a reliability-based approach and a strength-ratio approach) were considered for developing system factors for member-design to account for load sharing, partial composite action and other system effects. Using the strength-ratio approach, a new framework for system factors (i.e., partial system factors) is suggested in which the effects of partial composite action, load sharing, load redistribution and system size (number of members) are treated separately. / Graduation date: 2003

Timber has been a widely used construction material throughout the history of human development and it is still popular to this day. Timber frames are a common structural form used in historical and modern day structures. An effective means to connect timber members together is via bolts or dowels due to their high strength, ductile behaviour and flexibility in application. Such joints are, however, vulnerable and prone to damage especially during seismic attacks. In order to improve the performance and longevity of timber framed structures, it is necessary to develop simple but effective strengthening schemes for dowel-type timber joints. Additionally, strategies to repair and reinstate damaged joints are also required. The main objectives of this program of doctoral research are to (1) develop strengthening and repair schemes for bolted timber joints using advanced composite materials (i.e. carbon fibre reinforced polymer, CFRP) as well as traditional materials (i.e. steel plates, epoxies and mortars), and (2) investigate the effectiveness of the schemes in improving the seismic performance of timber frames. The strengthening and repair schemes are applied to single-bolt joints and tested under monotonic load. Optimal strengthening and repair schemes are then applied to moment resisting joints and the joints are subjected to monotonic and cyclic loading. Finite element models are then assembled for the latter joint tests. The calibrated joint models are then used in finite element models of timber frames with varying number of storeys and support conditions. The seismic performances of the timber frames are investigated by conducting both nonlinear static and nonlinear time history analyses. The results of the experimental investigations and the finite element analyses show that the strengthening schemes can enhance the strength and stiffness of joints. Optimum strengthening schemes can also improve the seismic performance of timber frames. Based on the work arising from the program of research, future research needs are finally identified. / published_or_final_version / Civil Engineering / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Oregon State University, 2004. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references. Also available via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (M.S.)--Brigham Young University. Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 185-207).