Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.5552/drvind.2026.0333

In-Service Performance Assessment of a Traditional Timber House Under Real Environmental Conditions Using Ambient Vibration Measurements

Evren Osman Çakiroğlu ; Artvin Çoruh University, Artvin, Turkey
Taner Taşdemi̇r ; Artvin Çoruh University, Artvin, Turkey
Yusuf Yanik ; KARADENİZ TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY, TRABZON, Turkey
Temel Türker ; KARADENİZ TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY, TRABZON, Turkey

Abstract

Timber structures have gained increased attention in recent years due to sustainability-driven construction and the growing demand for reliable performance assessment of wood-based building systems under inservice conditions. Multi-storey bungalow-type timber structures require reliable performance assessment under real environmental conditions. However, such timber structures are continuously exposed to environmental actions that directly influence their stiffness-related dynamic performance. Therefore, the accurate determination of dynamic properties is essential, as these parameters serve as key indicators of the stiffness-related in-service performance and serviceability of timber structures. This study presents an in-service performance assessment of a two-storey traditional timber bungalow house and representative timber elements using a specially developed vibration measurementsystem, namely the Civil Engineering Vibration System (CEVS) and Civil Engineering Vibration Analysis (CEVA) software. Ambient vibration measurements were conducted under real environmental conditions and three different tension-based stiffening states (tensionless, normally tensioned, and fully tensioned). These states were defined as released, service-level, and fully tightened conditions of the tension-based stiffening elements. Experimental natural frequencies were determined as quantitative indicators of stiffness variation and mechanical performance under different tension-based stiffening levels. The identified natural frequencies ranged from 5.005 Hz to 18.066 Hz, and they consistently increased in the order of tensionless, normally tensioned, and fully tensioned states. The use of ambient vibration measurements enables a realistic evaluation of the in-service mechanical performance of the timber structure under actual environmental conditions. The results contribute to a better understanding of the in-service mechanical performance of timber structures and provide practical guidance for performance evaluation, stiffnessassessment and potential strengthening decisions, and sustainable timber construction practices.

Keywords

timber structures; in-service performance assessment; stiffness-related dynamic indicators; ambient vibration measurements; tension-based stiffening systems; traditional timber buildings

Hrčak ID:

351295

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/351295

Publication date:

28.9.2026.

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