SR119 Full-sized house cyclic racking rest (2003)

Earthquake and wind loads for timber-framed house designs in New Zealand are specified in NZS 3604:1999. Various lining and cladding manufactures publish bracing strengths for their wall systems based on the BRANZ P21 racking test.

The P21 tests are carried out on a short length of wall with contrived end restraints to simulate continuity of actual construction. To verify that this design approach is realistic, an existing house was relined and cyclically racked to failure.

This paper compares the actual house strength with the strength determined using the NZS 3604:1999 design provisions. Free vibration tests to measure the house natural frequency and damping are also reported.