Strengthening of wood framed walls of Japanese houses using TYFO SEH GFRP System

ABSTRACT

Wooden houses in Japan are usually built by post and beam methods. This paper introduces a new strengthening system for Japanese wooden houses against seismic activity by using GFRP materials. The concept is based on increasing the shear capacity of the wood framed walls by applying a diagonal GFRP bracing system. This system can be installed directly onto the external walls of the house right over the architectural finish and is able to dramatically enhance the wall shear capacity and the wall shear factor.