Application of the tying force method in the design of alternative load paths in post-and-beam timber structures: A case building

This work aims to present an application of the tying force method recently proposed in the literature to a mid-rise post-and-beam timber building. Internal and edge column loss scenarios are analysed. A steel-to-timber connection is proposed and extensively evaluated as a potential solution to ensure the robustness of the structure, thereby satisfying the requirements imposed by the tying force method and effectively minimizing the risk of progressive collapse of the structure. Finally, a parametric analysis evaluating the variation of the tying force as a function of the chord rotation and different beam span lengths is carried out. The results obtained show that the tying force method represents a promising and rapid strategy for designing robust post-and-beam timber buildings falling in low and medium consequence classes.