Analysing the seismic behaviour of a post-tensioned LVL building during the 2011 canterbury earthquake sequence by time-frequency representation

Abstract The seismic performance of a two-storey post-tensioned Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) building during the aftershock sequence following the 6.3 MW 22nd February 2011 Canterbury earthquake in New Zealand is presented. The timber building is constructed adopting the low-damage Pres-Lam technology which combines the use of post-tensioning and massive engineered wood (laminated timber) products. Originally a test specimen, the building was demounted and reassembled as the offices of the STIC research consortium on the campus of the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. Close to the beginning of construction the 7.1 MW 2010 Darfield earthquake occurred in the Canterbury area, however, construction went ahead as planned with the building almost complete when the more devastating 22 February 2011 earthquake event occurred. Standard and time-frequency techniques were used to evaluate the seismic response of the building and this paper presents a general overview of building performance and provides insight into the behaviour of a post-tensioned structure.