Dynamic characterisation and seismic assessment of medieval masonry towers

The paper investigates the dynamic characterisation, the numerical model tuning and the seismic risk assessment of two monumental masonry towers located in Italy: the Capua Cathedral bell tower and the Aversa Cathedral bell tower. Full-scale ambient vibration tests under environmental loads are performed. The modal identification is carried out using techniques of modal extraction in the frequency domain. The refined 3D finite element model (FEM) is calibrated using the in situ investigation survey. The FEM tuning is carried out by varying the mechanical parameters and accounting for the restraint offered by the neighbouring buildings and the role of soil–structure interaction. The assessment of the seismic performance of the bell towers is carried out through a nonlinear static procedure based on the multi-modal pushover analysis and the capacity spectrum method. Through the discussion of the case studies, the paper shows that the modal identification is a reliable technique that can be used in situ for assessing the dynamic behaviour of monumental buildings. By utilising the tuned FEM of the towers, the theoretical fundamental frequencies are determined, which coincide with the previously determined experimental frequencies. The results from seismic performance assessment through a pushover analysis confirm that the masonry towers in this study are particularly vulnerable to strong damage even when subjected to seismic events of moderate intensity.

     

The 17 November 2015 Mw 6.4 Lefkas (Ionian Sea,Western Greece) Earthquake: Impact on Environment and Buildings

On Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 07:10:07 (UTC) a strong earthquake struck Lefkas Island (Ionian Sea, Western Greece) with magnitude Mw 6.4, depth of about 6 km and epicenter located 20 km southwest of Lefkas town. It was felt in Lefkas Island and the surrounding region and caused the death of two people, the injury of eight others, many earthquake environmental effects (EEE) and damage to buildings and infrastructures. Secondary EEE were observed in western Lefkas and classified as ground cracks, slope movements and liquefaction phenomena. Primary effects directly linked to surface expression of seismogenic source were not detected in the field. The maximum intensity VIII_{ESI 2007} was assigned to large-volume slope movements along western coastal Lefkas. Damage to buildings was mainly observed in villages located in Dragano-Athani graben arranged almost parallel to the northern segment of the Cephalonia Transform Fault Zone (Lefkas segment). Among structures constructed with no seismic provisions, the stone masonry buildings and monumental structures suffered most damage, while the traditional buildings of the area with dual structural system performed relatively well and suffered minor damage. Reinforced-concrete buildings were affected not so much by the earthquake itself but by the generation of secondary EEE. The maximum seismic intensities VIII_EMS-98 were assigned to villages located in Dragano-Athani graben due to very heavy structural damage observed on masonry buildings mainly attributed to the combination of the recorded high PGA values, the poor antiseismic design and construction of buildings and the geological and tectonic structure of the affected area.     

Determination of masonry building fundamental frequencies in five Slovenian towns by microtremor excitation and implications for seismic risk assessment

Site effects studies using microtremor free-field measurements were performed recently in five Slovenian towns characterized by increased seismic hazard to determine resonance frequency of soft sediments. In this study, microtremor investigations were extended to the measurements inside buildings to determine their fundamental frequencies and to assess the possible occurrence of soil-structure resonance. Measurements were performed in 66 buildings, and by spectral analysis, it was possible to determine reliably fundamental frequencies (longitudinal and transverse) for 58 buildings. Residential masonry houses with two or three floors prevail, but some buildings of up to six-floor height were also surveyed. Microtremor measurements have proved to be an effective tool for assessment of fundamental frequencies of buildings. Such experimental approach is very valuable, as analytical seismic evaluation of an existing building is usually very difficult. Statistical analysis of the fundamental frequency versus number of floors (height) was performed to generalize identification of potential soil-structure resonance. The difference in average fundamental frequency is very clear between buildings with two and three floors. The average value of both horizontal components for two-floor buildings is 9.11?±?1.94?Hz, and for three-floor buildings, 7.03?±?1.46?Hz. On the other hand, the difference in frequencies between three- and four-floor buildings (average for later is 6.52?±?0.80?Hz) is very small. The average fundamental frequencies for five- and six-floor buildings are lower, 4.62?±?0.64?Hz and 5.30?±?0.70?Hz, respectively, with no statistically significant difference between both types. Most Slovenian towns are located in shallow sedimentary basins where the free-field soft covers frequencies are in the range 2?C20?Hz. On the other hand, houses with two and three floors represent the large majority of the building stock. To assess the possible occurrence of soil-structure resonance in general, an average fundamental frequency?±?one standard deviation interval is obtained for these two building heights, which gives the range 5.6?C11.1?Hz. The free-field data show that this frequency range occupies from 22?% of the surveyed area in the Kobarid basin to up to 59?% in the Bovec basin and is in between for other three basins. This leads to the conclusion that the possible occurrence of soil-structure resonance is a serious issue for typical geological situations, in which towns are located.     

Regional flood risk assessment via coupled fuzzy <Emphasis Type="Italic">c</Emphasis>-means clustering methods: an empirical analysis from China’s Huaihe River Basin

Airports are one of the critical infrastructures that play an essential role in managing natural disasters through receiving or sending aid and supplies. Air traffic control (ATC) towers are an inseparable part of each airport as the performance of airports depends on the functionality of their ATC towers. Many ATC towers have been designed and constructed based on older versions of modern seismic codes in which seismic design has followed a force-based design approach. This study addresses the seismic vulnerability of three in-service ATC towers which have been designed and constructed according to a force-based design concept. The height of the towers ranges from 24 to 52 m. Fragility curves have been used for the seismic vulnerability study of these towers. For the derivation of seismic fragility curves, 45 earthquake records were selected and classified into low, medium and high classes based on their ratio of peak ground acceleration (PGA) to peak ground velocity (PGV). It was observed that records with a low PGA/PGV ratio imposed the highest level of damage to the towers. However, when towers were subjected to the records with a high PGA/PGV ratio, the damage intensity was not significant. Results indicated that the intensity of seismic-induced damage to the tallest tower was significantly more than that of the shortest tower. It was concluded that only the shortest tower could satisfy the expected seismic performance objectives.     

Damage analysis of masonry structures subjected to rockfalls

Masonry structures present substantial vulnerability to rockfalls. The methodologies for the damage quantification of masonry structures subjected to rockfalls are scarce. An analytical procedure for the damage assessment of masonry structures is presented. The procedure comprises three stages: (1) determination of the rockfall impact actions which are applied to a masonry structure, in terms of external forces, using the particle finite element method (PFEM), (2) evaluation of the mechanical properties, modelling of the masonry structure, and calculation of the internal stresses, using the finite element method (FEM), (3) assessment of the damage due to the rockfall actions, applying a failure criterion adapted to masonries, and calculation of the damage in terms of the percentage of the damaged wall surface. Three real rockfall events and their impact on buildings are analysed. A sensitivity analysis of the proposed procedure is then used to identify the variables that mostly affect the extent of the wall damage, which are the masonry width, the tensile strength, the block diameter and lastly, velocity.     

盾构隧道抗震分析的静力推覆方法

利用动力时程法对盾构隧道进行抗震分析时,计算时间长,工作量大,土体本构以及阻尼的选择困难,不利于工程设计广泛应用。为了解决这些困难,借鉴地上结构静力推覆分析方法的思想,并结合盾构隧道的地震响应主要由周围土体的地震响应所控制的这一特点,改进了静力推覆方法中的水平加载模式,提出了适用于盾构隧道抗震分析的静力推覆分析方法,并引入了隧道倾斜度的概念来衡量隧道的抗震性能。此法通过对计算模型施加沿地层深度方向分布的倒三角侧向水平位移,来模拟地震对盾构隧道的作用,概念清楚,考虑了隧道与周围土体的相互作用,避免了在动力时程分析中所涉及的土体本构和阻尼的选择、计算模型边界条件等复杂问题,大大降低了盾构隧道抗震分析的难度,同时,可以得到隧道的抗震能力曲线。与动力时程分析的对比结果表明,在弹性阶段,此法的计算结果合理,具有较高的精度,适用于盾构隧道抗震设计。     

Seismic Risk Assessment for the Territory of Armenia and Strategy of its Mitigation

The original methods of seismic risk assessment based on the main factors, defining the high level of seismic risk in Armenia, are used in this paper. Based on the analysis carried out, an assessment is made about the fact, that the capital of Armenia, Yerevan, is the most risk exposed area. A strategy for seismic risk reduction, derived from local peculiarities and the level of seismic risk, is presented. Improving the resisting of existing buildings and constructions to seismic damage, based on the grounds of new technologies elaborated by NSSP RA, is emphasised in this strategy.     

Experimental vulnerability curves for the residential buildings of Iran

Iran is one of the most seismically active countries of the world located on the Alpine-Himalayan earthquake belt. More than 180,000 people were killed due to earthquakes in Iran during the last five decades. Considering the fact that most Iranians live in masonry and non-engineered houses, having a comprehensive program for decreasing the vulnerability of society holds considerable importance. For this reason, loss estimation should be done before an earthquake strikes to prepare proper information for designing and selection of emergency plans and the retrofitting strategies prior to occurrence of earthquake. The loss estimation process consists of two principal steps of hazard analysis and vulnerability assessment. After identifying the earthquake hazard, the first step is to evaluate the vulnerability of residential buildings and lifelines and also the social and economic impacts of the earthquake scenarios. Among these, residential buildings have specific importance, because their destruction will disturb the daily life and result in casualties. Consequently, the vulnerability assessment of the buildings in Iran is important to identify the weak points in the built environment structure. The aim of this research is to prepare vulnerability curves for the residential buildings of Iran to provide a proper base for estimating probable damage features by future earthquakes. The estimation may contribute fundamentally for better seismic performance of Iranian societies. After a brief review of the vulnerability assessment methods in Iran and other countries, through the use of the European Macroseismic method, a model for evaluating the vulnerability of the Iranian buildings is proposed. This method allows the vulnerability assessment for numerous sets of buildings by defining the vulnerability curves for each building type based on the damage observations of previous earthquakes. For defining the vulnerability curves, a building typology classification is presented in this article, which is representative of Iranian building characteristics. The hazard is described in terms of the macroseismic intensity and the EMS-98 damage grades have been considered for classifying the physical damage to the buildings. The calculated vulnerability indexes and vulnerability curves show that for engineered houses there is not any notable difference between the vulnerability of Iranian and Risk-UE building types. For the non-engineered houses, the vulnerability index of brick and steel structures is less than the corresponding values of the other unreinforced masonry buildings of Iran. The vulnerability index of unreinforced and masonry buildings of Iran are larger than the values of the similar types in Risk-UE and so the Iranian buildings are more vulnerable in this regard.     

Assessing the Vibrational Frequencies of the Cathedral of Cologne (Germany) by Means of Ambient Seismic Noise Analysis

Ambient seismic noise measurements were conducted inside the Cathedral of Cologne (Germany) for assessing its frequencies of vibration and for checking whether these occur in the range where soil amplification is expected. If this is the case, damages may increase in case of an earthquake due to an increased structural response of the building. Analysis of the ratio between the horizontal and vertical components of the spectra recorded at stations located inside the building as well as the ratio between the corresponding components of the spectra recorded simultaneously inside the building and at a reference station placed in the basement of the cathedral indicated several modes of vibration. Facilitated by these results an assessment of the seismic vulnerability was attempted for a 2D ground motion scenario using the finite element method.     

Monitoring of the temperature–moisture regime in St. Martin’s Cathedral tower in Bratislava

Buildings are often composed of materials with a porous structure. Moisture in the masonry has a destructive impact caused by cycles of drying–wetting and freezing–thawing. A new sensor principle for monitoring moisture in the masonry is presented herein. This sensor utilizes changes in the thermal conductivity of porous structures when they are filled with moist air, water, or ice depending on the existing thermodynamic conditions. Herein, the “hot-ball” method is used to measure the thermal conductivity. The moisture sensor is prepared for porous material corresponding to the parent material, whether it is rock, brick, or concrete. This parent sample is taken from a borehole drilled into the wall. Methodology for moisture sensor calibration is also presented. Sensors were placed in the masonry walls of St. Martin’s Cathedral tower in the North, South, and West orientations. The sensors were placed in the plaster and bricks at depths up to 60 mm in the wall surface, just below the window sill. The temperature–moisture regime was monitored from August 19th, 2011 to March 30th, 2012. Changes in temperature and moisture were then correlated with meteorological data.     

Seismic input at the archaeological site of Kancheepuram in Southern India

A probabilistic seismic hazard assessment at Kancheepuram in Southern India was carried out with the scope of defining the seismic input for the vulnerability assessment of historical and monumental structures at the site, in terms of horizontal Uniform Hazard Spectra and a suite of spectrum-compatible natural accelerograms to perform time-history analysis. The standard Cornell?CMcGuire and a zone-free approach have been used for hazard computations after the compilation of a composite earthquake catalogue for Kancheepuram. Epistemic uncertainty in the seismic hazard was addressed within a logic-tree framework. Deaggregation of the seismic hazard for the peak ground acceleration shows low seismicity at Kancheepuram controlled by weak-to-moderate earthquakes with sources located at short distances from the archaeological site. Suites of natural accelerograms recorded on rock have been selected by imposing a custom-defined compatibility criterion with the probabilistic spectra. The site of Kancheepuram is characterized by a seismicity controlled by weak-to-moderate earthquakes with sources at short distances from the site, the PGA expected for 475- and 2,475-year return period are, respectively, 0.075 and 0.132?g. The Indian code-defined spectra (DBE and MCE) tend to underestimate spectral ordinates at low periods. On the other hand, the PGA are comparable and the spectral ordinates for longer periods from the probabilistic study are significantly lower.     

Interaction of a Masonry Dam and the Rock Foundation

The Urft dam is an old German gravity dam located in the Eifel near Cologne. In order to ensure its stability and for adjustment to today??s technical standards rehabilitation works were required. Two inspection galleries were excavated below the storage level by means of smooth blasting. To reduce the porewater pressure acting on the dam??s base and thus to increase the stability of the dam also the drainage system was reconstructed and improved. Because the Urft dam is curved, its load bearing behavior reveals a certain arching effect. In order to take advantage of this arch action the stability proof was carried out by means of three-dimensional analyses according to the FEM. In these analyses the interaction of dam and the foundation rock was accounted for. Explorations, laboratory and in situ testing of the masonry and the foundation rock were carried out and a monitoring program was established. The monitoring results allowed a calibration of the three-dimensional model for stability analyses by means of back analyses. On this basis the final stability proof could be conducted.     

Dynamic compaction evaluation using in situ tests in Sagunto’s Harbor,Valencia (Spain)

This paper presents an assessment on the use of dynamic compaction as a ground improvement technique in a port’s hydraulic fill in the new southern dock of Sagunto’s Harbor near Valencia (Spain). Soil behavior improvement was monitored by several in situ techniques such as boreholes with SPTs, DPSH, CPTU and CSWS geophysical tests. A total energy between 2188 and 3125 kN/m² (depending the area) was applied to the hydraulic fill by the dynamic compaction procedure. In situ techniques led to evaluate dynamic compaction efficiency, as well as controlling ground modifications that might cause potential damages to adjacent buildings. The dynamic compaction carried out was capable of fulfilling requirements established to use the area, that is, an average deformability modulus (E′) of 30 MPa with a minimum of 20 MPa, in a depth of 10 m. Moreover, dynamic compaction increased hydraulic fill relative density by about 75%.     

Probabilistic evaluation of observed earthquake damage data in Turkey

Empirical, theoretical or hybrid methods can be used for the vulnerability analysis of structures to evaluate the seismic damage data and to obtain probability damage matrices. The information on observed structural damage after earthquakes has critical importance to drive empirical vulnerability methods. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the damage distributions based on the data observed in Erzincan-1992, Dinar-1995 and Kocaeli-1999 earthquakes in Turkey utilizing two probability models—Modified Binomial Distribution (MBiD) and Modified Beta Distribution (MBeD). Based on these analyses, it was possible (a) to compare the advantages and limitations of the two probability models with respect to their capabilities in modelling the observed damage distributions; (b) to evaluate the damage assessment for reinforced concrete and masonry buildings in Turkey based on these models; (c) to model the damage distribution of different sub-groups such as buildings with different number of storeys or soil conditions according to the both models. The results indicate that (a) MBeD is more suitable than the MBiD to model the observed damage data for both reinforced concrete and masonry buildings in Turkey; (b) the sub-groups with lower number of stories are located in the lower intensity levels, while the sub-groups with higher number of stories depending on local site condition are concentrated in the higher intensity levels, thus site conditions should also be considered in the assessment of the intensity levels; (c) the detailed local models decrease the uncertainties of loss estimation since the damage distribution of sub-groups can be more accurately modelled compared to the general damage distribution models.     

A Research for Large Plate Foundation on Silt

It is necessary to consider the bearing capacity and displacement of the silt with 76~82% water content, when power transmission towers are contucted. Fall scale experiments have been carried out for the above reasons. The results of the experiments have shown that the large plate foundation method for the tower is the most efficient safety economic and easy to be constructed. The foundation is stable and the settlement is uniform.     

淤泥地基大板基础的试验研究

在淤泥地基上建造高耸输电铁塔,必须考虑地基的承载力与沉降变形.本文介绍了在含水量ω=76～82%的淤泥地基上,采用大板为基础建造铁塔,通过原型试验结果证明,选用此方案是可行的,不仅使地基达到了稳定,沉降均匀,确保了上部建筑的安全;而且施工简便,经济可靠,为在软土地基上建造这类高耸建筑物提供了新的技术途径.     

Site amplification investigation in Dhaka, Bangladesh, using H/V ratio of microtremor

The degree of damage during earthquakes strongly depends on dynamic characteristics of buildings as well as amplification of seismic waves in soils. Among the other approaches, microtremor is, perhaps, the easiest and cheapest way to understand the dynamic characteristics of soil. Non-reference microtremor measurements have been carried out in 45 locations in and around the capital Dhaka city of Bangladesh. Subsoil investigations (Standard Penetration Test and Shear Wave Velocity) have also been executed in those locations. Soil model has been developed for those locations for site response analysis by means of the program SHAKE. Among those 45 locations, predominant frequency of microtremor observation varies from 0.48 to 3.65 Hz. Out of those 45, for 35 locations Transfer function obtained from the program SHAKE have higher frequency compared to microtremor H/V ratio and for one location it has lower predominant frequency. For six locations, frequencies obtained from two methods are identical. For three other locations, there are no similarities between predominant frequency obtained from microtremor and transfer function. The seismic Vulnerability Index (Kg) for 45 sites varies between 0.45 and 31.85. Ten sites have been identified as having moderate vulnerability of soil layers to deform.     

Vulnerability evaluation of the strategic buildings in Algiers (Algeria): a methodology

Algeria is a country with a high seismic activity. During the last decade, many destructive earthquakes occurred, particularly in the northern part, causing enormous losses in human lives, buildings, and equipments. In order to reduce this risk in the capital and avoid serious damages to the strategic existing buildings, the government decided to invest in seismic upgrade, strengthening, and retrofitting of these buildings. To do so, seismic vulnerability study of this category of buildings has been considered. Structural analysis is performed based on a site investigation (inspection of the building, collecting data, materials characteristics, general conditions of the building, etc.) and existing drawings (architectural plans, structural design, etc.). The aim of these seismic vulnerability studies is to develop guidelines and a methodology for rehabilitation of existing buildings. This paper presents the methodology followed in our study and summarizes the vulnerability assessment and strengthening of one of the strategic buildings according to the new Algerian Seismic Design Code RPA 99/version 2003. As a direct application of this methodology, both static equivalent method and nonlinear dynamic analysis are performed and presented in this paper.     

Seismic performance of masonry buildings during the 2007 Bala,Turkey earthquakes

A field investigation was conducted near the town of Bala after two strong earthquakes struck the region on December 20 and 27, 2007. The main objectives of this study are to present the results of the field investigation and examine the characteristics of the recorded ground motions and the corresponding response spectra. The focus of the research was on the causes of damage and failures commonly observed in masonry structures. This study classifies single family masonry dwellings in rural areas and investigates the seismic damage in unreinforced masonry structures. Turkish Earthquake Code requirements for masonry buildings are summarized and compared with the field observations. Our field investigation showed that there has been lack of quality control and regulation for the masonry construction. Diagonal shear cracking and out-of-plane failure were the two major factors that contributed to widespread damage in masonry structures.