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Computational Modeling Strategies for Seismic Assessment of Unreinforced, Reinforced, and Confined Masonry Structures

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A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Structures".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2022) | Viewed by 16007

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Bora Pulatsu

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Guest Editor

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
Interests: advanced computational modelling; structural analysis of masonry structures; testing and simulation of sustainable building materials/structures
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Semih Gonen

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Technology, Art and Design, Department of Civil Engineering and Energy Technology, Civil Engineering, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
Interests: masonry structures; seismic assessment of infrastructures; structural reliability; structural health monitoring; optimal sensor placement for structural identification and damage detection; machine learning

Dr. Fulvio Parisi

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Guest Editor

Department of Structures for Engineering and Architecture, University of Naples Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy
Interests: seismic analysis of masonry structures; earthquake protection of cultural heritage; soil–structure interaction; structural retrofitting with innovative materials; multihazard vulnerability of masonry and reinforced concrete structures; structural robustness; structural health monitoring and damage detection; machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques; multihazard risk and resilience of civil infrastructure

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to submit a contribution to the Special Issue “Computational Modeling Strategies for Seismic Assessment of Unreinforced, Reinforced, and Confined Masonry Structures”.

A significant portion of existing masonry structures, ranging from residential buildings to cultural heritage constructions, are vulnerable to seismic actions due to their material properties, structural characteristics, and deterioration. The preservation and conservation of these structures necessitates a thorough understanding of their seismic behavior, involving both simplified and advanced computational approaches. Given the lack of practicality and economic issues of full-scale physical experiments, numerical simulations of masonry structures stand as an active research area. In the last several decades, various modeling approaches (e.g., finite, discrete, and macro-element methods) have been proposed to predict the seismic behavior of masonry structures with different levels of complexity and accuracy.

In this regard, this Special Issue aims to collect the most recent developments and knowledge in computational structural mechanics associated with the seismic assessment of masonry structures. We invite original contributions to the seismic assessment of unreinforced, reinforced, and confined masonry structures using up-to-date computational modeling strategies, case studies, and critical literature reviews.

Dr. Bora Pulatsu
Dr. Semih Gonen
Prof. Dr. Fulvio Parisi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

seismic assessment
nonlinear response analysis
finite element analysis
discrete element modeling
fiber element modeling
macro-element modeling
computational modeling
masonry structures
nonlinear time history analysis
stochastic analysis
performance assessment
pushover analysis

Related Special Issue

Seismic Safety Assessment and Strengthening of Existing Constructions in Buildings (14 articles)

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

28 pages, 10610 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Practice-Oriented Proposal to Consider the Flange Effect in Equivalent Frame Modeling of Masonry Buildings

by Serena Cattari, Sara Alfano and Sergio Lagomarsino

Buildings 2023, 13(2), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13020462 - 8 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1313

Abstract

This paper focuses on the so-called “flange effect” in unreinforced masonry buildings when the connection among walls is good, thus forming a 3D assembly of intersecting piers (with L-, C-, T-, or I-shaped cross-sections). Given the direction of the horizontal seismic action, the presence of such flanges (the piers loaded out-of-plane) can influence the response of the in-plane loaded pier (the web) in terms of failure modes, maximum strength, and displacement capacity. Specific rules are proposed in codes to evaluate the effective width of the flange, for the in-plane verification of a single masonry wall. However, in the case of 3D equivalent frame (EF) modeling of the whole building, all the intersecting piers should be considered entirely, to model the response in both the orthogonal directions as well as the torsional behavior, but this may lead to overestimating the flange effect if a perfect connection is assumed. This paper investigates the capability of simulating the actual behavior in EF models by introducing an elastic shear connection at the intersection between two piers using an “equivalent beam”, coupling the nodes at the top of piers. A practice-oriented analytical formulation is proposed to calibrate such a flange effect on the basis of the geometric features and material properties of the web and the flange. Its reliability is tested at the scale of simple 3D assemblies and entire buildings as well. Finite element parametric analyses on masonry panels with symmetrical I- and T-shaped cross-sections have been performed to investigate the axial load redistribution between the flanges and the web and the consequent repercussion on the overall performance of the web. The results have proven that, after a calibration of the shear connection, the variation of axial force between the web and the flanges is correctly reproduced and the strength criteria for 2D panels provide reliable results. Finally, in the conclusions, some practical hints for simulating an imperfect wall-to-wall connection are also provided, since this case is relevant in historic masonry buildings, which are characterized by different masonry types, transformations over time, and already-cracked conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Modeling Strategies for Seismic Assessment of Unreinforced, Reinforced, and Confined Masonry Structures)

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12 pages, 2962 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Precompression and Material Uncertainty on the In-Plane Behavior of URM Pier–Spandrel Systems

by Bora Pulatsu, Semih Gonen and Fulvio Parisi

Buildings 2023, 13(1), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13010203 - 12 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1344

Abstract

Theoretical and experimental studies on loadbearing masonry walls have shown the significant influence of the axial load level (i.e., precompression) and wall aspect ratio on in-plane lateral resistance. Nonetheless, the impact of the precompression and spatial variability of the material properties needs to be further investigated at the scale of walls with openings. This study presents a stochastic analysis of unreinforced (URM) pier–spandrel systems subjected to both axial loads on piers and lateral loads, considering the spatial variation in material properties. A discontinuum-based computational model was utilized to assess the force–displacement behavior of a benchmark pier–spandrel structure under different vertical precompression levels on piers. A total of 750 simulations were carried out to propagate material uncertainties in lateral load analysis. The proposed modeling strategy, based on the discrete element method, explicitly represents joint openings, sliding, and crushing phenomena at the contact points defined between the adjacent discrete rigid blocks. According to the validated computational modeling strategy, meaningful inferences were made regarding the effect of the precompression level on the maximum displacement and ultimate lateral load-carrying capacity of the benchmark URM pier–spandrel system. The results showed that vertical pressure on piers had considerable influence on the displacement ductility of the system while yielding less variation in the displacement capacity. Furthermore, the appealing feature of the spatial probabilistic analysis is noted in the variation in the lateral load-carrying capacity of the structural system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Modeling Strategies for Seismic Assessment of Unreinforced, Reinforced, and Confined Masonry Structures)

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33 pages, 11735 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seismic Performance Assessment of Low-Rise Unreinforced and Confined Brick Masonry School Buildings Using the Applied Element Method

by Rohit Kumar Adhikari, Ahsana Parammal Vatteri and Dina D’Ayala

Buildings 2023, 13(1), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13010159 - 8 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3209

Abstract

Masonry buildings are generally vulnerable to seismic action, as evidenced extensively in past earthquakes. In order to improve their seismic performance, several modifications have been introduced, such as reinforcing or confining the masonry. This paper presents a seismic analysis and fragility assessment procedure for non-engineered masonry building typologies, employing the applied element method (AEM). Compared to buildings with stiff diaphragms, the conventional pushover-based procedure is challenging for the seismic assessment of masonry buildings with flexible diaphragms, due to the lack of a global box-like behaviour. This study first presents a novel and validated method for nonlinear pushover analysis, independent of the type of diaphragm action on the building, by applying incremental ground acceleration and by considering suitable engineering demand parameters for the assessment of lateral capacity. Based on the failure mechanisms, a seismic performance assessment and fragility evaluation approach is then proposed, for reliable accounting of both the in-plane and out-of-plane failure modes. Finally, the proposed methodology is applied to a number of unreinforced and confined masonry school buildings with different seismic detailing levels, as often found in the Himalayan belt and beyond. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Modeling Strategies for Seismic Assessment of Unreinforced, Reinforced, and Confined Masonry Structures)

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34 pages, 19556 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Appraising the Seismic Response of a Retrofitted Adobe Historic Structure, the Role of Modal Updating and Advanced Computations

by Seyed Salar Ahmadi, Georgios Karanikoloudis, Nuno Mendes, Rogiros Illambas and Paulo B. Lourenço

Buildings 2022, 12(11), 1795; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12111795 - 26 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1956

Abstract

The concepts of structural assessment and retrofit of historical constructions are of particular complexity and require advanced knowledge in material science, conservation techniques and structural analysis. In particular, adobe constructions, given their low mechanical properties and brittle failure modes, are in immense need of comprehensive assessment and retrofitting plans. The current work focuses on the adobe Church of Kuñotambo in Peru, having experienced long periods of deterioration and earthquake-related damage. Under the ongoing Seismic Retrofitting Project (SRP) of the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI), the structural assessment of the church initiated in 2015 confirmed the low lateral capacity of the building and the poor connectivity between the structural parts. Based on the existing cracks and damage, a strengthening scheme was optimized and validated. After the implementation of the retrofitting plan, the quality of its execution and efficiency were assessed in 2019 with a new in situ campaign, which included ambient vibration testing (AVT) and sonic testing. From the acquired field data, the FE model of the retrofitted church was optimized, by updating the stiffness properties of masonry and discontinuities. Moreover, nonlinear static analyses were performed on the updated model in all in-plan directions. Finally, a displacement-based performance assessment was undertaken, under different earthquake limit states, demonstrating the adequacy of the retrofitting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Modeling Strategies for Seismic Assessment of Unreinforced, Reinforced, and Confined Masonry Structures)

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15 pages, 6750 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Nonlinear Seismic Assessment of a Historic Rubble Masonry Building via Simplified and Advanced Computational Approaches

by Elyse Hamp, Rachel Gerber, Bora Pulatsu, Mario Santana Quintero and Jeffrey Erochko

Buildings 2022, 12(8), 1130; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12081130 - 29 Jul 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1938

Abstract

This research presents a comprehensive nonlinear quasi-static seismic assessment of an unreinforced rubble masonry building, Bytown Museum in Ottawa, Canada, using discontinuum-based analyses. In the proposed modeling approach, non-uniform geometrical properties of rubble masonry walls are replicated via a group of rigid polyhedral blocks interacting along their boundaries based on the discrete element method (DEM). Once the adopted modeling strategy is validated, the nonlinear quasi-static analysis of the South and North façades of the Bytown Museum is performed. Special attention is given to the irregular block generation within the discontinuum analysis framework, where discrete element models are generated from high-resolution site recording data, representing the masonry morphology at a high level of detail. Then, the predicted collapse mechanisms from advanced computational models are further utilized to generate pre-defined macro-blocks in kinematic limit analyses, providing a simple alternative solution for seismic assessment. The results reveal the significant effect of openings and the construction technique (morphology) in unreinforced rubble masonry buildings that can play an important role in the structural capacity and behavior. Moreover, it is noted that DEM-based solutions provide lower seismic capacity compared to kinematic limit analyses. Finally, a noticeable sensitivity to the input parameters in the discrete element models is noted; therefore, characterization of material properties is necessary for reliable predictions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Modeling Strategies for Seismic Assessment of Unreinforced, Reinforced, and Confined Masonry Structures)

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21 pages, 9880 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simplified Approach for In-Plane Strength Capacity of URM Walls by Using Lower-Bound Limit Analysis and Predefined Damage Patterns

by Derya Karadeniz, Mustafa Tolga Yilmaz, Cemal Icel and Murat Altug Erberik

Buildings 2022, 12(6), 777; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12060777 - 7 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2083

Abstract

In this study, a two-phase simplified approach is proposed to predict the in-plane strength capacity of unreinforced masonry (URM) walls. In the first phase, in-plane damage and failure patterns of URM walls are determined from available observational (field) data, experimental data and also from numerical analysis data. Then, a set of rules are proposed to estimate damage and failure patterns of URM wall panels. In the second phase, this valuable information is employed to develop a simplified numerical model with a coarse mesh for the masonry wall, which is consistent with the crack formation at the ultimate state. Then, lower-bound limit analysis approach is used to predict the failure load of the wall without any detailed micro-element analysis. At the final stage, the proposed approach is verified by comparing the numerical results with experimental data from URM wall tests. By the assistance of this approach, it becomes possible to estimate the lateral capacities of ordinary, non-engineered URM walls and buildings from damage patterns at failure state. As an ultimate goal, this structural information can be used for seismic risk assessment of regions where the building typology considered in this study governs the building stock. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Modeling Strategies for Seismic Assessment of Unreinforced, Reinforced, and Confined Masonry Structures)

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20 pages, 6363 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling Approaches for the Assessment of Seismic Vulnerability of Masonry Structures: The E-PUSH Program

by Maria Luisa Beconcini, Paolo Formichi, Linda Giresini, Filippo Landi, Benedetta Puccini and Pietro Croce

Buildings 2022, 12(3), 346; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12030346 - 12 Mar 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2697

Abstract

The assessment of seismic performance of existing masonry structures is a key aspect for the risk mitigation strategies of existing buildings and preservation of historical heritage. The increasing availability of modelling approaches for the assessment of seismic response of masonry structures calls for the need of verifying their reliability and correct use. In fact, these procedures are very sensitive to modelling hypotheses, so that the results of the assessment could vary in a wide interval depending on the adopted software and on the user’s skill. Aiming at enhancing the classical software packages for the structural analysis of masonry buildings, especially in terms of easiness of use, simplicity of modelling and limited computational demand, the authors developed a reliable and sound push-over program, called E-PUSH, which allows a quick and nearly user-independent assessment of the seismic risk index. In the paper, available commercial codes for the seismic assessment of unreinforced masonry buildings are illustrated and discussed, in comparison with the E-PUSH program, highlighting the differences in terms of modelling assumptions, choice of masonry mechanical parameters and failure criteria, focusing on the impact of the assumptions adopted for the estimation of capacity curves and seismic risk index of a simple benchmark structure. Then, a relevant case study, consisting in the assessment of the “Niccolò Machiavelli” masonry school in Florence, is investigated adopting two different software packages, the original E-PUSH and a commercial one, discussing the sensitivity of the results on the assumptions made by the user in the modelling phase. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Modeling Strategies for Seismic Assessment of Unreinforced, Reinforced, and Confined Masonry Structures)

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