Search results for " masonry"
showing 10 items of 76 documents
Influence of wall-to-floor connections and pounding on pre- and post-diction simulations of a masonry building aggregate tested on a shaking table
2023
AbstractThis paper presents numerical simulations within the frame of the project SERA—AIMS (Seismic Testing of Adjacent Interacting Masonry Structures). The study includes blind pre-diction and post-diction stages. The former was developed before performing the shaking table tests at the laboratory facilities of LNEC (Lisbon), while the latter was carried out once the test results were known. For both, three-dimensional finite element models were prepared following a macro-modelling approach. The structure consisted of a half-scaled masonry aggregate composed by two units with different floor levels. Material properties used for the pre-diction model were based on preliminary tests previou…
Simulation of blind pre-diction and post-diction shaking table tests on a masonry building aggregate using a continuum modelling approach
2023
AbstractMasonry buildings of historical centres are usually organized within aggregates, whose structural performance against seismic actions is challenging to predict and constitutes still an open issue. The SERA—AIMS (Seismic Testing of Adjacent Interacting Masonry Structures) project was developed to provide additional experimental data by testing a half-scale, two-unit stone masonry aggregate subjected to two horizontal components of dynamic excitation. In this context, this paper investigates the reliability of the modelling approach and the assumptions adopted to generate a three-dimensional continuum finite element model. The work involves two stages, namely a blind pre-diction and a…
Out of plane fragility of infill walls with and without prior in-plane damage
2019
The paper presents the results of a probabilistic assessment framework aimed at evaluating out-of-plane fragility curves of infill walls which have suffered (or not) prior in-plane damage. Out-of-plane incremental dynamic analyses are performed based on a suite of 22 ground motion records. A recently developed in-plane / out-of-plane macroelement model is used to model masonry infills within frames. The outcomes show fragility curves representing the probability of exceeding out-of-plane collapse at a given earthquake intensity as a function of a different combination of geometrical and mechanical parameters, in-plane damage level and supporting conditions.
On the definition of seismic vulnerability maps in cross-border Mediterranean areas
2015
The chance to locate and quantify the major risks associated to natural catastrophic events on a territory allows to plan adequate strategies and interventions by civil protection bodies involved in local and international emergencies. The seismic risk depends most of all by the vulnerability of buildings belonging to the urban areas. For this reason the definition, by a deep analysis of the territory, of instruments identifying and locating vulnerability, largely favours the activities of institutions appointed to safeguard the safety of citizens. Seismic and hydro-geological risks constitute the major component of the activities involving assistance actions carried out by civil protection…
An experimental study on the compressive behaviour of calcarenite masonry columns wrapped by fiber reinforced mortar wraps
2018
The use of Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Mortar (FRCM) systems for structural retrofitting of masonry structures has become increasingly popular in the last years, due to the capability of this technique in overcoming some of the drawbacks related to the adoption of resin-based composites. In fact, FRCM systems ensure good compatibility between the reinforcing layers and the substrate, achieving also the removability requirement, which is of fundamental importance for historical constructions. Recent research studies focused on the mechanical performance of FRCM materials, by studying its tensile behaviour and bond between the strengthening layer and masonry, pointing out as failure is alwa…
Out of Plane response of Unreinforced Masonry infills: Comparative analysis of experimental tests for the definition of strategies of macro modelling…
2022
During an earthquake, an interaction between the in-plane and out-of-plane seismic forces occurs and the infilled frames suffer damage in both in-plane and out-of-plane directions simultaneously. Particularly, the out-of-plane collapse of unreinforced masonry infill walls is critical even for new buildings complying with the modern seismic codes, resulting in high casualties and huge economic losses. However, the out-of-plane behaviour of infill walls is yet not fully understood. This study is therefore aimed towards characterizing the out-of-plane seismic capacity of unreinforced masonry infill walls. First of all, available out-of-plane experimental tests performed on unreinforced masonry…
Evaluation of Flat Jack Test Method Effectiveness for Masonry Structural Investigations
2019
Flat jack testing method is one of the most commonly used techniques for the structural assessment of existing masonry structures. Single and double flat jack are commonly adopted to evaluate the acting normal stress, or the compressive behaviour of masonry material. Test procedures are codified by international standards (e.g. A.S.T.M D4729-87; C1196-04; C1197-04, R.I.L.E.M TC 177–MDT D.4; R.I.L.E.M. TC 177–MDT D.5), which provide the preliminary calibration of an experimental coefficient (km), which determination influences significantly the reliability of the test. This paper presents the result of an experimental study on the calibration of km coefficient for flat jacks. The problem is …
Experimental investigation on mansory panels manufactured with pumice lightweight concrete
2010
The possibility of using pumice aggregates for concrete in structural applications is discussed. In particular, the mix design of lightweight concrete for the manufacturing masonry units having proper strength, is discussed. Moreover, the design of the unit shape according to the technical code requirements and making it possible to arrange reinforcing steel bars is described. Reinforced bearing masonry walls, made with the concrete units in question, were manufactured and tests on the panels and on the designed units were carried out. For comparison, tests on concrete units and structural elements were carried out after the substitution of pumice aggregates with ordinary lightweight aggreg…
Numerical Modelling of the Constitutive Behaviour of FRCM Composites through the Use of Truss Elements
2023
The modeling of the mechanical behavior of Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) composites is a difficult task due to the complex mechanisms established at the fibre-matrix and composite-support interface level. Recently, several modeling approaches have been proposed to simulate the mechanical response of FRCM strengthening systems, however a simple and reliable procedure is still missing. In this paper, two simplified numerical models are proposed to simulate the tensile and shear bond behavior of FRCM composites. Both models take advantage of truss and non-linear spring elements to simulate the material components and the interface. The proposed approach enables us to deduce the …
Compatible rehabilitation of the Sicilian rural architecture: the case study of "Calcibaida" in Caltavuturo
2020
The Sicilian common typological form of rural estate is the masseria, typical of the latifundium. More particularly, it is a large fortified farm built to control and manage a vast land-property, the old fiefdoms. This paper will analyse the masseria Calcibaida as an eminent example of the mentioned Sicilian rural world. Calcibaida is located in the territory of Caltavuturo, in the centre of Sicily, within the mountain landscape of the Madonie mountains. The complex consists of a compact aggregate of buildings with an internal courtyard and a close large warehouse, further embellished by a fine drinking trough. The typological characteristics, materials and construction technologies of the …