Full-scale test of a wooden structure with an octagonal shape

Lateral and vertical loadings were conducted on a full-scale wooden structure with an octagonal shape. The strength of the structure and the effects of the bearing walls arranged 45° to the lateral load were evaluated. The results are summarized as follows : (1) The roof of the structure with an octagonal shape could be considered as a diaphragm. (2) The effects of the strength and the initial stiffness of the bearing walls arranged 45° to the lateral load were different in the bracing and sheathing arrangements. (3) Generally the strength of structures, including the type without the bearing walls parallel to the lateral load, were about 10% under the strength calculated from the Standard for Structural Calculation of Timber Structures. (4) In the stage of bracing only, the strength and the initial stiffness were the almost same as the structure with a rectangular shape that had the same amount of bearing walls. (5) The structure had enough strength for a vertical load corresponding to about a 50 cm thick deep snowfall.