Timber Framing Wall in the Italic Civilization

Abstract

Several clay models, which date back to the 6th century B.C., were discovered in the enotrian site of Guardia Perticara (Pz). They represent Italic huts and emphasize a wooden constructive system constituted by timber frames. The research aims to propose a systematic reading of the represented load bearing system which embodies an important step in the historical development of timber structures. The clay models show a concordance with archeological evidences. In fact, some holes dug into the ground to hold timber post, with a rectangular development in plan, were discovered in this geographical area. These models reveal a complex hierarchic organization of the various members with the presence of bracings inside timber frame and along the roof structure. The wooden diagonals increase the constructive system stiffness and improve the timber frame response to horizontal forces and consequently to in-plane seismic actions. The paper also focuses on a representation of a joint failure with loss of equilibrium and members bending which characterize some load bearing elements. Such realistic description is coherent and compatible with the structural configuration, the loads system and the mechanical material characteristics.