A predictive analytical model for the elasto-plastic behaviour of a light timber-frame shear-wall

•The behaviour of timber shear walls subjected to horizontal forces in the elasto-plastic field is investigated.•The ductility of the light timber-frame walls is determined.•A numerical modelling of timber shear-wall is developed.•Some laboratory tests on timber shear walls are presented.

This paper presents a predictive analytical model for the elasto-plastic behaviour of a light timber-frame wall under horizontal loading. The possibility to represent the total force carried by all fasteners (allowing for their sequential yielding) in one nonlinear spring is shown to be a key benefit. The development of this spring was investigated via a parametric study in which the variables were the sheathing panel aspect ratio and the fastener spacing. By developing equivalent springs for the other components, a rheological model for elasto-plastic behaviour of a sheathed timber-frame as function of the mechanical properties of connections was also defined.