CONSTRUCTION METHOD FOR SEISMIC REINFORCING OF EXISTING WOODEN BUILDINGS FROM EXTERIOR : The characteristics of the earthquake responses before and after the building reinforcement

Abstract

For reinforcing existing wooden buildings against severe earthquakes, surrounding metal poles installed and secured with bolts at the beams of the second floor level are effective. On an earthquake, the horizontal forces are mostly transmitted via second floor to the surrounding poles. This solution prevents the house from falling down, like felled "by a leg throw", and protects the residents therein. Parametric earthquake response analyses to several model houses have been conducted. Consequently, sufficient seismic safety regarding subject reinforcement method is confirmed.