Abstract:Field tests were performed on three wood-frame constructions in order to get their dynamic characteristics. Data obtained from the field tests, laboratory tests and literatures review were used to investigate the fundamental period and damping ratio of the wood-frame construction. Results show that gypsum board can not only dissipate the input earthquake energy but also increase structural stiffness. The damping ratio of wood-frame constructions is related to the amplitude of vibration, high damping ratio can be obtained depended on large amplitude vibration. The damping ratios of wood-framed construction obtained from earthquake records, shaking table tests, and forced vibration are close to or larger than 5% the value recommended in the code. And it is also confirmed that the earthquake coefficient of wood-frame constructions to be proposed to adopt the maximum value of the earthquake response spectrum curve in the Technical Specification of Wood-frame Construction is reasonable.