A database of the structural behavior of masonry in shear

This paper reports the results of several on-site investigations carried out by the authors in the last 20 years in central Italy (Umbria, Marche, Emilia and Abruzzo regions) on masonry wall panels. The use of stone and brickwork masonry has been common for centuries not only for rural residences but also for public and religious buildings. In many areas, where the stone was abundant, stone became the material of choice for all constructions. However from rubble stone to perfectly squared stones, the mechanical properties may highly differ. Test results are reported with an accurate survey and analysis of the masonry typology and mechanical characterization was performed according to ASTM standards and consisted of measurements of shear properties. The paper also reports the experimental results of full-scale tests conducted on brickwork walls using different bonding patterns, mortar types and brick dimensions. These data were recorded in terms of shear strength, elastic properties and deformation capacity and are of critical importance for design, reinforcement or retrofit purposes in earthquake-prone areas. All tests were conducted on site from pre-existing undamaged wall panels. Finally, test results are compared with existing standards and indicate that masonry shear strength is sometimes overestimated by the Italian Building Code.     

水泥砂浆面层加固砌体墙抗震可靠指标研究

采用水泥砂浆面层加固方法加固砌体房屋是一种简单有效的方法。对比分析了《砌体结构加固设计规范》(GB 50702-2011)^[3]和《建筑抗震加固技术规程》(JGJ 116-2009)^[4]中钢筋网水泥砂浆面层加固砌体墙的可靠性;对10片未加固低强度砖墙和20片单面钢筋网水泥砂浆面层加固低强度砖墙进行拟静力试验,分析了未加固和加固墙体的破坏模式和机理,并提出了适用于钢筋网水泥砂浆面层加固砌体墙的抗震验算公式。研究表明：两标准的可靠水平差别较大,实际应用时,易产生矛盾;未加固墙主要发生沿阶梯形斜裂缝受剪破坏,加固墙主要发生沿通缝受剪破坏和沿阶梯形斜裂缝受剪破坏;建议公式的计算值与试验值吻合良好,未加固墙抗震可靠指标为2.2,加固墙抗震可靠指标为2.5～3.1;砂浆面层加固砌体结构可以显著提高结构的抗震性能。     

Seismic performance of masonry walls retrofitted with steel reinforced grout

An innovative solution for the seismic protection of existing masonry structures is proposed and investigated through shake table tests on a natural scale wall assemblage. After a former test series carried out without reinforcement, the specimen was retrofitted using Steel Reinforced Grout. The strengthening system comprises horizontal strips of ultra‐high strength steel cords, externally bonded to the masonry with hydraulic lime mortar, and connectors to transversal walls, applied within the thickness of the plaster layer. In order to assess the seismic performance of the retrofitted wall, natural accelerograms were applied with increasing intensity up to failure. Test results provide a deep understanding of the effectiveness of mortar‐based composites for improving the out‐of‐plane seismic capacity of masonry walls, in comparison with traditional reinforcements with steel tie‐bars. The structural implications of the proposed solution in terms of dynamic properties and damage development under earthquake loads are also discussed.Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

填充墙RC框架结构加固方法的研究现状及展望

综述了用于提高填充墙钢筋混凝土(RC)框架结构抗震性能和改善结构损伤模式的几类加固措施,从工艺、加固效果和破坏形式3个角度进行了分析.在建筑结构设计过程中,填充墙通常被视为一种典型的脆性非均质非结构构件,忽视了填充墙与RC框架之间的相互作用.地震调查报告表明,在结构遭受地震作用时,填充墙通常先于钢筋混凝土框架发生破坏,...     

水平嵌筋加固砖砌体墙抗震性能试验研究

以嵌缝胶泥作为嵌缝材料,针对不同高宽比和不同配筋率的6片墙体进行了拟静力试验,探讨了嵌筋加固砖砌体墙的破坏特征、变形能力、承载能力、耗能能力、滞回特征及刚度退化等抗震性能,建立了以试验为基础的嵌筋加固砖砌体墙的抗剪承载力计算公式。研究结果表明:高宽比为1.8的试件,嵌筋墙体较无筋墙体水平抗剪极限承载力提高了17%~31%,延性提高了54%~83%;高宽比为0.5的试件,嵌筋墙体较无筋墙体水平抗剪极限承载力提高了13%~17%,延性提高了17%~20%,嵌筋加固墙体滞回环饱满,耗能能力有较大幅度提高,破坏形式由脆性破坏转变为延性破坏,嵌筋对墙体初始刚度的影响较小,给出的抗剪承载力公式计算值与试验值接近,为工程应用奠定了基础。     

Fragility functions and floor spectra of RC masonry infilled frames: influence of mechanical properties of masonry infills

A wide number of experimental studies conducted in latest years pointed out the high influence of the mechanical properties of masonry units and mortar bed joints on lateral strength and stiffness of masonry panels. This feature significantly modifies the global response of infilled frames under seismic actions as well as the local interaction phenomena. Despite a wide investigation on the influence of the infills on global behaviour of reinforced concrete (RC) frames has already been provided, different features characterizing the seismic performances of buildings suggest the need of accurately evaluating local interaction phenomena as well as the influence of the panel on specific and relevant aspects, as the accelerations transferred to non-structural components. This study provides a parametrical analysis of the influence of shear strength and elastic modulus of masonry infills on the seismic behaviour of RC frames originally designed for gravity loads. Regular buildings with different height were analysed using the Incremental Dynamic Analysis in order to provide fragility curves, investigate on the collapse mechanisms and define the floor spectra depending on the properties of the infills. Results obtained pointed out the high influence of the considered parameters on the fragility of existing RC frames, often characterized by inadequate transversal reinforcement of columns, which may lead to brittle failure due to the interaction with the infills. Floor response spectra are also significantly affected by the influence of masonry infills both in terms of shape and maximum spectral accelerations. Lastly, on the basis of the observed failure mechanisms, a parameter defining the ductility of the frames depending on the properties of the infills was also provided (Capacity Design Factor). The correlation between the mechanical properties of the infills and this parameter suggests its reliability in the simplified vulnerability analysis of existing buildings as well as for the design of new buildings.     

Seismic safety assessment of existing masonry infill structures in Nepal

Reinforced concrete (RC) buildings in Nepal are constructed with RC frames and masonry infill panels. These structures exhibit a highly non-linear inelastic behavior resulting from the interaction between the panels and frames. This paper presents an extensive case study of existing RC buildings in Nepal. Non-linear analyses were performed on structural models of the buildings considered as a bare frame and with masonry infill, in order to evaluate the influence of infill walls on the failure mechanisms. Five three-storey buildings with different structural configurations and detailing were selected. The effect of masonry infill panels on structural response was delineated by comparing the bare-framed response with the infill response. Seismic performance is evaluated with regard to global strength, stiffness, energy dissipation, inter-storey drift, and total deflection of the structure. A parametric analysis of structures with masonry infill is also performed. For this, the influence of different material properties is studied, namely diagonal compressive stress, modulus of elasticity and tensile stress of masonry infill panels. Study results show that masonry infill increases the global strength and stiffness of the structures; it decreases the inter-storey drift and hence the total displacement of the structure. The results quantify the influence of the infill panels on structural response and, in particular, the effect of the diagonal compressive strength of the masonry wall.     

In-plane shear behaviour of unreinforced and jacketed brick masonry walls

This paper deals with the results of cyclic load tests on masonry walls performed for the purpose of evaluation of in-plane shear behaviour and identification of shear strength, stiffness and energy dissipation. Eight walls in two series were assembled in laboratory conditions. The first series consisted of four unreinforced masonry walls constructed from solid clay bricks and lime mortar. The walls from the second series were strengthened by application of RC jackets on both sides. These were constructed of the same material and were characterized by the same geometry properties and vertical load levels as those of the walls from the first series. The main goal of the tests was to compare the behaviour of the unreinforced and strengthened walls under cyclic horizontal load. The results from the tests showed that the application of the strengthening method contributed to a significant improvement of the shear resistance of the jacketed walls. Analytical models were used to predict the shear resistance of the walls. Good agreement with the experimental results was obtained with a model based on tensile strength of masonry.     

The non-linear response of unreinforced masonry buildings to earthquake excitations

The three-dimensional non-linear earthquake behaviour of unreinforced masonry buildings is studied by using a constitutive model established experimentally for burned-clay brick masonry wall panels. The parameter functions appearing in the constitutive model are modified so that they accommodate a wall panel made of a general masonry material. In the study it is assumed that the floors of the masonry building are reinforced concrete slabs which are infinitely rigid in their own planes and that the wall panels possess only in-plane rigidities. Some examples involving earthquake analyses of two different masonry structures are presented. It is found that the predictions of the model used in the study are in harmony with the experimental data available in the literature.     

竹片网水泥砂浆加固承重夯土墙体抗震试验研究

为了提高村镇承重夯土墙体的抗震性能,对2片竹片网水泥砂浆加固墙体和1片未加固对比墙进行拟静力试验,研究其破坏形态、水平承载力、滞回性能和耗能等抗震性能。试验结果表明:与未加固夯土墙体相比,加固后墙体的受力性能、变形性能及耗能能力均得到明显改善;同等加固水平下:斜放竹片网对夯土墙承载力的提高显著,相比对比试件峰值荷载和极限荷载分别提高82.58%和76.97%;正放竹片网加固的墙体滞回曲线更加饱满,骨架曲线下降更加平缓,变形能力和耗能提高更加明显,相比对比试件峰值位移和极限位移分别提高63.33%和327.69%,耗能提高了781%,且正放竹片网加固施工方便,可提倡应用。总之,竹片网水泥砂浆加固方法生态经济,可明显减轻墙体的破坏,有效改善墙体抗震性能,研究成果可对村镇夯土建筑实地加固提供参考。     

Experimental study on seismic behavior of Un-Reinforced Masonry (URM) brick walls strengthened with shotcrete

In this study, the efficiency of conventional shotcrete technique for strengthening of Un-Reinforced Masonry (URM) walls was shown using an experimental program. In addition, in this program the possible benefit of using anchors for connecting the shotcrete reinforcement layer to the R/C foundation was studied. The experimental program consisted of testing five full scale specimens with two different height-to-length aspect ratios and so different failure modes, under in-plane cyclic loading conditions. Two specimens were tested as reference and others were strengthened on a single-face using shotcrete layer. According to the results, strengthening of URM walls using traditional shotcrete approach created a completely stiff panel and prevented the formation of cracks. The failure mode in both reference and strengthened short length walls was rocking and the shotcrete layer could increase the strength capacity, energy dissipation, and stiffness of wall due to yielding and rupture of steel bars anchored to the foundation. On the other hand, in strengthened long length walls, shotcrete layer increased the shear sliding capacity with no or small increasing in their rocking capacity. Therefore, the failure mode of strengthened walls converted from shear sliding to rocking, even in the specimen with anchorage system. The distributed type of anchorage system could not improve the strength capacity of long length wall. Anchorage system was able to improve the out-of-plane performance of strengthened walls.     

Fragility functions for masonry infill walls with in‐plane loading

Recent seismic events have provided evidence that damage to masonry infills can lead not only to large economic losses but also to significant injuries and even fatalities. The estimation of damage of such elements and the corresponding consequences within the performance‐based earthquake engineering framework requires the construction of reliable fragility functions. In this paper, drift‐based fragility functions are developed for in‐plane loaded masonry infills, derived from a comprehensive experimental data set gathered from current literature, comprising 152 masonry infills with different geometries and built with different types of masonry blocks, when tested under lateral cyclic loading. Three damage states associated with the structural performance and reparability of masonry infill walls are defined. The effect of mortar compression strength, masonry prism compression strength, and presence of openings is evaluated and incorporated for damage states where their influence is found to be statistically significant. Uncertainty due to specimen‐to‐specimen variability and sample size is quantified and included in the proposed fragility functions. It is concluded that prism strength and mortar strength are better indicators of the fragility of masonry infills than the type of bricks/blocks used, whose influence, in general, is not statistically significant for all damage states. Finally, the presence of openings is also shown to have statistically relevant impact on the level of interstory drift ratio triggering the lower damage states.     

配BFG蒸压加气混凝土砌块砌体基本力学性能数值模拟

将蒸压加气混凝土(AAC)砌体填充墙采用薄灰缝专用砂浆砌筑,并在灰缝中配置玄武岩纤维格栅(BFG),可以提高墙体的抗压强度和延性。为了研究配BFG的AAC砌块砌体的基本力学性能,设计了9组27个试件进行抗压和抗剪试验。在试验的基础上,首先分析了砌体的抗压和抗剪性能,给出抗压上升段本构方程和抗压、抗剪强度建议公式;其次运用ABAQUS对砌体的抗压和抗剪性能进行模拟,通过比较模拟结果与试验结果,验证了有限元模型的合理性;最后分析了模型受压时的应力-应变关系,给出抗压下降段本构方程。研究表明:荷载施加处,接触面上剪应力集中是砌体通缝抗剪破坏的主要原因;本构方程可为配BFG蒸压加气混凝土砌体填充墙抗震性能的研究提供参考。     

Pseudo-dynamic tests on masonry residential buildings seismically retrofitted by precast steel reinforced concrete walls

A retrofitting technology using precast steel reinforced concrete (PSRC) panels is developed to improve the seismic performance of old masonry buildings. The PSRC panels are built up as an external PSRC wall system surrounding the existing masonry building. The PSRC walls are well connected to the existing masonry building, which provides enough confinement to effectively improve the ductility, strength, and stiffenss of old masonry structures. The PSRC panels are prefabricated in a factory, significantly reducing the situ work and associated construction time. To demonstrate the feasibility and mechanical effectivenss of the proposed retrofitting system, a full-scale five-story specimen was constructed. The retrofitting process was completed within five weeks with very limited indoor operation. The specimen was then tested in the lateral direction, which could potentially suffer sigifnicant damage in a large earthquake. The technical feasibility, construction workability, and seismic performance were thoroughly demonstrated by a full-scale specimen construction and pseudo-dynamic tests.     

Twin lintel belt in steel for seismic strengthening of brick masonry buildings

A single-room, single-storey full-scale brick masonry building with precast RC roofing system was tested thric eunder displacement controlled lateral cyclic loading, to assess the effectiveness of the basic repair and seismic strengthening techniques. Initially, the virgin building specimen was loaded laterally to failure, In the second stage, the damaged building was repaired by stitching across the cracks, and tested under the same lateral loading. In the third stage, the twice-damaged structure was repaired once more by stitching and strengthened by twin lintel belt in steel and vertical corner reinforcement,and re-tested. The building strengthened by twin lintel belt in steel showed about 28% higher strength under lateral loading than the virgin building.     

Estimation of load reduction factors for clay masonry walls

The in‐plane cyclic behaviour of three types of unreinforced clay masonry was characterized by means of laboratory tests on full‐scale specimens. The masonry walls were assembled with various bonding arrangements (head joints made with mortar pockets, dry head joints with mechanical interlocking, thin‐layer mortar bed joints), which are not yet inserted in seismic codes. Experimental behaviour was modelled with an analytical hysteretic model able to predict lateral load–displacement curves in case of shear failure of the unreinforced walls. According to the experimental results and those of the selected analytical model, parametric study to evaluate the reduction in lateral strength demand produced by non‐linear behaviour in masonry walls, i.e. the load reduction factor was carried out by non‐linear dynamic analyses. The calculated values of the load reduction factor were modest. The differences in values found for the three masonry types, although consistent with them, were not great. This may indicate that, in the ultimate limit state, the type of masonry cannot significantly affect the behaviour of an entire building. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic collapse simulation of existing masonry buildings with different retrofitting techniques

Masonry buildings are primarily constructed out of bricks and mortar which become discrete pieces and cannot sustain horizontal forces created by a strong earthquake.The collapse of masonry walls may cause significant human casualties and economic losses.To maintain their integrity,several methods have been developed to retrofit existing masonry buildings,such as the constructional RC frame which has been extensively used in China.In this study,a new method using precast steel reinforced concrete(PSRC)panels is developed.To demonstrate its effectiveness,numerical studies are conducted to investigate and compare the collapse behavior of a structure without retrofitting,retrofitted with a constructional RC frame,and retrofitted with external PSRC walls(PSRCW).Sophisticated finite element models(FEM)were developed and nonlinear time history analyses were carried out.The results show that the existing masonry building is severely damaged under occasional earthquakes,and totally collapsed under rare earthquakes.Both retrofitting techniques improve the seismic performance of existing masonry buildings.However,it is found that several occasional earthquakes caused collapse or partial collapse of the building retrofitted with the constructional RC frame,while the one retrofitted by the proposed PSRC wall system survives even under rare earthquakes.The effectiveness of the proposed retrofitting method on existing masonry buildings is thus fully demonstrated.     

A simplified methodology for the seismic assessment of masonry buildings with RC slabs

The present paper aims to contribute to the knowledge concerning the seismic assessment of load bearing masonry buildings with reinforced concrete slabs. The final goal of the present research was to propose a simple, yet accurate, methodology to assess the seismic safety of existing masonry buildings. The methodology here presented was based on the so-called ICIST/ACSS methodology with major improvements such as the extension to load bearing masonry wall buildings and the consideration of the effects of one of the most common strengthening solutions for masonry walls, here referred to as reinforced plastering mortar, as well as the possibility of considering four levels of increasing refinement: global, by alignment, by wall panel and by wall element. An extended research was performed on the existing methodologies to evaluate the seismic structural risk of load bearing masonry buildings, briefly describing methodologies similar to the one proposed, namely all of those that have in common the fact that they are based in the physical comparison between the resisting and acting shear forces at all storeys and along the two orthogonal horizontal directions. A case study is presented to check the applicability of the proposed methodology. The case study showed that the proposed methodology is relatively simple to apply and has a sufficiently good accuracy when compared with alternative methodologies. The degree of refinement of the analysis (global, by alignment, by wall panel and by wall element) must be taken into consideration and successively more complex analyses may be required when the results of simpler analyses are inconclusive.     

Cyclic tests on a hybrid coupled wall utilizing a rocking mechanism

A new type of hybrid coupled wall system, consisting of rolled steel coupling beams, reinforced concrete (RC) wall piers, and concrete‐filled tube (CFT) short columns, is introduced. In this new system, the bases of the wall piers are connected to the base beams only through CFT short columns, unlike conventional coupled walls. Yield occurs in the coupling beams and the short columns; hence, in the RC wall piers, only minimum cracking appears. A total of four subassembly specimens, designed to fail in various collapse mechanisms, were cyclically loaded under constant axial force. A benchmark specimen showed ductile behavior with large energy dissipation until fracture occurred in the coupling beam. In the specimen designed to fail in shear in its CFT, substantial axial shortening was observed, but the overall behavior was ductile. Behavior of specimens with small amounts of section steel in the wall panel fringe, or with thin wall panels, also showed ductile behavior, but the strength and energy dissipation were significantly smaller than other two specimens. An analytical model was proposed for a frame analysis program using fiber elements to simulate elastic–plastic behavior of the system. Design methods to prevent shear failure of CFT and RC panels are suggested using the analytical and test results. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Scaling unreinforced masonry for reduced-scale seismic testing

When testing multi-storey structures, most testing facilities require the testing of a reduced-scale model. A literature review on tests of scaled masonry structural components revealed that scaling of masonry was rather challenging and often significant differences in stiffness, strength and failure mechanisms between the different sized masonry were reported. This paper addresses the scaling of hollow clay brick masonry with fully mortared head and bed joints. We investigate different choices of scaling brick units and mortar joints. Based on the results of an extensive test programme including standard material tests and quasi-static cyclic tests on masonry walls subjected to horizontal and axial loads, we formulate recommendations for the production of a half-scale model of unreinforced masonry structures. The experimental results show a good match between full-scale and half-scale masonry. We discuss the differences in material properties that remained and compare the force-displacement hystereses obtained for the wall tests.