PSI - Issue 78

Andrea Fabbri et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 78 (2026) 1183–1189

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a)

b)

Fig. 4 Connection between the dissipative device and the beech LVL bracing member using (a) dowel-nut and (b) threaded insert.

The connection between the damper and the timber element (see Fig. 4) plays a crucial role, especially when dealing with members with reduced cross-sections. In this context, the previously described connections could be effectively employed in series with a dissipative device. In particular, the threaded insert connection appears well suited for this purpose: its high stiffness contributes to system stability, while its main limitation — brittle failure — can be compensated by the energy dissipation capacity of the damper. Nevertheless, this hypothesis requires experimental validation to assess the interaction between different mechanisms and confirm the effectiveness of the proposed system. 5. Conclusion This study investigated the feasibility of beech LVL braces for potential applications to seismic retrofitting of existing framed structures. The research focused on the mechanical behavior of steel-to-timber connections, evaluated through monotonic and cyclic tests, with the aim of employing them to connect diagonal LVL elements to steel, concrete, or timber frames. Two connection types were examined, highlighting their load-resisting mechanisms and response under seismic loading cycles. Based on the results, some modifications were proposed to enhance ductility and energy dissipation capacity. The integration of a seismic damper at the brace ends was also assessed, verifying compatibility with the studied connections. The results demonstrate that both connections show promising potential: the dowel-nut connection stands out for its ductility and differentiated behavior between tension and compression, while the threaded insert connection is characterized by high stiffness, which can be effectively exploited when combined with dissipative devices.