Simplified Simulation Method for Hysteretic Behavior of Wood Brackets

Because of its high historical, cultural, and scientific value, wooden architectural heritage in East Asia requires comprehensive protection. The dou-gong (bracket set) is an essential member in ancient Chinese wooden architecture. The hysteresis behaviors of dou-gongs are critical to the abilities of structures to resist external dynamic loads, mainly including wind and earthquakes. It is crucial to develop an effective and convenient method to investigate the hysteresis performance of dou-gongs quantitatively. This study developed a simplified finite element model of dou-gongs using Euler beam and link elements. The types of Song-style dou-gongs and the experimental hysteresis characteristics were reviewed. Eight parameters of the skeleton and hysteresis curves were determined, and their suggested value ranges were proposed. The hysteresis behaviors, predicted using the proposed simplified simulation method, were compared with the experimental results, and the accuracy and rationality were validated. Finally, the applicability of the proposed simplified model was verified based on single and cooperative dou-gong performance. This study extends the simplified model of dou-gongs and provides useful guidelines to investigate their hysteresis performance.