Load Resisting Behavior of Nepalese Rest-house

Abstract

Traditional Nepalese rest houses, locally known as patis or sattals, are vernacular structures that have served as communal shelters and social spaces for centuries which can also be used during the earthquake. These buildings typically exhibit a hybrid structural system, with timber frames along one grid and masonry load-bearing walls along another, constructed using regionally available materials and indigenous craftsmanship. This configuration often leads to eccentricity in both mass and stiffness, significantly influencing the building’s global seismic response and torsional behavior. This study investigates the load-resisting behavior of a typical Nepalese rest house, with particular emphasis on the traditional Nepali timber joints. A representative structural model was developed based on field documentation and literature, capturing key geometric and material characteristics. Numerical analysis was conducted to evaluate the structural response under gravity and lateral loads, simulating seismic actions. Special focus was given to the behavior of traditional timber joints, which are commonly constructed without nails or adhesives, relying instead on intricate interlocking geometries. A macro-modeling approach was adopted for masonry walls, while timber joints were studied at both macro and micro levels using the finite element method along with interaction properties. The results provide insights into the interaction between timber framing and masonry walls, highlighting the strengths and vulnerabilities of this traditional construction system. The findings contribute to the understanding of Nepalese vernacular architecture and offer a basis for its preservation, retrofitting, and informed adaptation in contemporary practice.