F Nateghi - Assistant Professor, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
A Vafai - Professor, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

A simple model is presented for analyzing light-timber frame structures subjected to lateral forces from wind and earthquake. The method developed herein is to analyze houses with non-rigid connections. The method used takes into account the diaphragm action of walls, floor, ceiling and roof, and the flexibility of the joints. The research also includes laboratory tests of flexible joints with different connectors. During testing, it was discovered that rotational stiffness of timber connections is a' function of the axial load as well as the shear load. Comparison of ordinary timber connections with metal connectors were established. Numerical studies of typical house using test data was conducted. A computer model was developed to analyze the timber structures and finally, a method was introduced for the identification of the weak-joints of the houses.