Xicheng Zhang, J L Li, Lanhao Cui, Leilei Liu, Qinhu Tian, Guoyuan Wu, Zhaobo Meng
To accurately predict the seismic nonlinear response of single-story palace-style ancient timber structures, a two-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) lumped mass model is proposed. This model incorporates column rocking, bracket sets, and mortise-tenon joints through a spring–rigid rod simplified representation. The seismic responses of the column frame, including displacement, velocity, and acceleration, are analyzed, with the model’s accuracy verified through experimental validation. Additionally, a MATLAB graphical user interface (GUI) program is developed, integrating parameter input, seismic wave loading, and result visualization. The dynamic performance of the structure is examined via parametric analysis, focusing on the influence of bracket set stiffness, mortise-tenon stiffness, and column base stiffness on seismic response. The results indicate strong correlation between the calculated data and experimental results under frequent earthquake conditions, confirming the model’s effectiveness in simulating seismic behavior. It is observed that an increase in joint stiffness reduces seismic displacement. Enhanced bracket stiffness contributes to a reduction in roof frame response, though it may compromise sliding and energy dissipation capacity. Improvement in mortise-tenon stiffness has a more pronounced impact on the column frame, but excessive stiffening should be avoided to maintain column rocking behavior. Further, an increase in column base stiffness reduces displacement but leads to higher acceleration and interstory shear forces. This study provides valuable insights into the seismic behavior of ancient timber structures and offers practical guidance for the design and preservation of such heritage buildings under seismic actions.