a parametric numerical study on the horizontal load-bearing capacity of the fpb-sheated timber framed wall elements with openings

The paper presents a parametric numerical study on the horizontal load-bearing capacitiy of timber framed wall elements coated with single fibre plaster boards (fpb) that can be used in the construction of single- or multi-storey prefabricated buildings. the research deals with both the full elements (without any opening) and with elements containing an opening. the key behaviour indicators like the racking stiffness and strength were determined and presented as ratios dependent on the opening area. a comparative study has proved that none of the methods from the literature that were previously developed for different types of wall elements can be accurately applied to the fpb-sheated panels. it has also been shown that the methods currently available in the european design codes underestimate the capacity of wall elements with openings. based on the results some diagrams are proposed that enable quick and efficient determination of the essential properties of wall elements with arbitrary areas of openings and may thus represent a useful tool for the structural design process.