A finite element (FE) analysis model was established in this paper to analyze the dynamic responses of column-and-tie timber structures with flexible mechanisms under long-period ground motions. The OpenSees was applied to verify the rationality of the FE model, after which the dynamic damage evolution mechanism of column-and-tie timber structures under long-period ground motions was explored. The results indicate that the errors between the first natural frequencies from the FE results and the corresponding shaking table test results are 6.5% and 11.3% in the
x and
y directions, respectively. The variation trend of the acceleration amplification factor along the structure's height direction based on the FE results is similar to that based on experiment results. Moreover, the Fourier spectral amplitudes of long-period ground motions TCU054, TCU102, ILA048, and ILA056 are mainly concentrated in low-frequency bands, while the long-period components of their acceleration response spectra are richer than Taft waves. Furthermore, the acceleration amplification factor, displacement response, and interlayer shear force of the structure under long-period ground motions are greater than those under the Taft wave with the same peak ground acceleration (PGA). Under the long-period ground motion with a PGA of 0.22
g, the maximum relative displacement of the roof in the
x and
y directions are 2.09-9.76 times and 2.68-8.71 times of those under the Taft wave, respectively. Moreover, the corresponding shear forces in the x and y directions are 1.30-1.71 and 1.46-2.09 times those under the Taft wave.