Congratulations to Kiavash Gholamizoj for the successful and brilliant defense of his doctoral thesis!
Congratulations to Kiavash Gholamizoj, who successfully defended his PhD thesis in Wood Engineering and Bio-based Materials on January 26, 2026!
His thesis, entitled « Experimental and Numerical Study of the Seismic Behavior of Braced Timber Frame Systems », investigates the seismic behaviour of dowel-type connections with embedded steel plates through an extensive experimental program and develops calibrated constitutive models for nonlinear time-history analyses of multi-story braced timber building archetypes. It demonstrates that these connections are effective and compliant with code requirements, and proposes an innovative braced frame system integrating elastomeric dampers, capable of reducing seismic forces and floor accelerations. These results confirm that, with appropriate design and detailing, braced timber frames constitute a robust and resilient solution for mid- and high-rise buildings.
This achievement crowns a research effort carried out with rigor and dedication under the supervision of Professor Alexander Salenikovich (Université Laval) and Professors Ying Hei Chui (University of Alberta) and Peyman Homami (Kharazmi University).
We also thank the other members of the jury: Robert Beauregard (Université Laval), Ghasan Doudak (University of Ottawa), Joshua Woods (Queen’s University), Christian Viau (Carleton University), and Colin Rogers (McGill University) for their expertise and valuable feedback.
Congratulations, Kiavash! This milestone marks a decisive step in an academic journey already rich with significant contributions and inspiring achievements.
Thesis abstract : The increasing use of mass timber construction has highlighted the need for reliable seismic force–resisting systems. This research investigates the seismic performance of dowel-type connections with slotted-in steel plates through an extensive experimental program and develops calibrated constitutive models for nonlinear time-history analyses of multi-story timber braced-frame building archetypes. Fragility analyses and system-level simulations confirm the effectiveness of these systems and indicate that current code-prescribed force modification factors are generally appropriate for the configurations studied. To address performance objectives beyond conventional life-safety criteria, including serviceability and damage limitation, an innovative chevron-braced timber frame system incorporating elastomeric dampers was developed and evaluated using shake-table testing. The results demonstrate that the combined bracing and damping system significantly reduces seismic demands and peak floor accelerations, while influencing drift distribution, highlighting the importance of appropriate structural detailing. Overall, the research shows that, when combined with proper connection detailing, capacity design principles, and targeted damping strategies, timber braced frames constitute a robust and resilient seismic force–resisting system for mid- to high-rise mass timber buildings. The findings support ongoing refinement of seismic design provisions and promote the broader adoption of hybrid, low-damage timber structural systems.