Experimental and Theoretical Analysis of the Lateral Performance of the Puzuo Layer in Traditional Timber Structure

The palace-style timber frame in the Tang dynasty is a typical ancient official timber structure in East Asia, has important historical and cultural value. The lateral performance of the puzuo layer formed by bracket sets and horizontal beams is very important for the seismic performance of the palace-style timber frame. In this paper, a scale test model of the puzuo layer is established, and quasi-static tests of horizontal reciprocating loading under different magnitude vertical loads are performed and a theoretical model was developed. The results show deformation characteristics in the test model, such as the bracket set rotation and S-shaped bending deformation of connection sections. The hysteretic loops under different magnitude vertical loads are fusiform and full, which indicates that the puzuo layer has good elastoplastic deformation and energy dissipation performance. The increase in vertical load can effectively improve the lateral resistance and energy dissipation capacity of the puzuo layer. Furthermore, a theoretical model is devised to delve into the deformation behaviors and hysteresis characteristics of the puzuo layer, as well as to elucidate the influence of vertical load variations on its lateral resistance. This research offers valuable insights for preserving timber structures featuring a puzuo layer.