Shaking table testing of an existing masonry building: assessment and improvement of the seismic performance

This paper aims to assess and improve the seismic performance of an existing masonry building with flexible floors, representative of a Portuguese building typology—‘gaioleiro’ buildings. The study involved seismic tests and dynamic identification tests of two models (nonstrengthened and strengthened) in the shaking table. Each model was subjected to several seismic tests with increasing amplitude. Before the first test and after each seismic test, the dynamic identification of the model was carried out, aiming at obtaining their seismic vulnerability curves based on a damage indicator obtained from the decrease of the frequencies of the modes. In the strengthened model, steel elements were used to improve the connection between walls and floors, together with ties in the upper stories. The results show that adopted strengthening technique is effective for reducing the seismic vulnerability of ‘gaioleiro’ buildings, namely for improving the out‐of‐plane behavior of the facades. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dowel connections securing roof-diaphragms to perimeter walls in historic masonry buildings and in-field testing for capacity assessment

In the seismic retrofit of existing masonry constructions, global interventions are often needed to inhibit the onset of local mechanisms and to engage the whole building box-like structural behaviour. Such interventions are represented by perimeter ties and roof and floor diaphragms. This paper considers the roof diaphragm strengthening solution and investigates the use of stud connections securing the roof thin-folded shell to the perimeter walls. Stud connections serve the dual purpose of collecting and transferring the out-of-plane inertia forces of the masonry walls to the roof diaphragm, as well as transferring the diaphragm reaction forces to the shear walls. Specific detailing of the stud connection and the adoption of an improved lime-mortar overlay on the top of the masonry walls are proposed to improve the connection strength; without such improvements, the connection capacity would be jeopardised by the reduced shear resistance of the masonry wall due to the absence of significant vertical confining action at the roof level. The intervention entirely changes the behaviour of the connection and significantly reduces shear stresses on the masonry wall. The structural behaviour of the connection is analysed and discussed. Emphasis is made on the conceptual design of laboratory and in-field test procedures and testing frames in order to replicate the boundary conditions in real applications. In-situ tests may help during the design of the roof thin-folded shell system and allow for the efficiency assessment of the connections prior to the final intervention, thereby proving the actual feasibility of the retrofit solution.     

Seismic performance of an unreinforced masonry building: An experimental investigation

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation carried out to investigate the seismic performance of a two storey brick masonry house with one room in each floor. A half‐scale building constructed using single wythe clay brick masonry laid in cement sand mortar and a conventional timber floor and timber roof clad with clay tiles was tested under earthquake ground motions on a shaking table, first in the longitudinal direction and then in the transverse direction. In each direction, the building was subjected to different ground motions with gradually increasing intensity. Dynamic properties of the system were assessed through white‐noise tests after each ground motion. The building suffered increasing levels of damage as the excitations became more severe. The damage ranged from cracking to global/local rocking of different piers and partial out‐of‐plane failure of the walls. Nevertheless, the building did not collapse under base excitations with peak ground acceleration up to 0.8g. General behaviour of the tested building model during the tests is discussed, and fragility curves are developed for unreinforced masonry buildings based on the experimental results. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Out-of-plane behaviour of existing stone masonry buildings: experimental evaluation

Masonry structures can be considered as the simplest type of structures concerning its assemblage but, at the same time, it is one of the most complex construction materials in terms of mechanical properties and correct behaviour assessment. In this context, the work herein presented aims at describing an experimental testing campaign recently carried out in order to characterize the out-of-plane behaviour of traditional masonry constructions. Taking advantage of the existence of a traditional two-storey masonry building abandoned after the 1998 Azores earthquake, several in-situ tests were defined and performed with the application of quasi-static cyclic loads at the building top level in the out-of-plane direction. In addition, the efficiency of retrofitting and/or strengthening techniques applied during the 1998 Azores reconstruction process was also experimentally evaluated. Finally, an overall discussion of these techniques is presented, resorting also to previous tests’ results carried out by the same authors, aiming at inferring and suggesting quantifications of strengthening techniques’ contributions for future interventions on existing buildings. For this purpose, simple analytical mechanical approaches were adopted in order to provide numerical estimates of strength that were found in good agreement with the experimental results.     

Seismic behaviour of masonry buildings built of low compressive strength units

Seismic behaviour of masonry buildings, built of low compressive strength units, is discussed. Although such materials have already been tested and approved for use from mechanical and thermal insulation point of view, the knowledge regarding their structural behaviour is still lacking. In order to investigate the resistance and deformation capacity of this particular type of masonry construction in seismic conditions, a series of eight walls and model of a two-storey full scale confined masonry building have been tested by subjecting the specimens to cyclic shear loads. All tests were conducted under a combination of constant vertical load and quasi static, cyclically imposed horizontal load. The behaviour of tested specimens was of typical shear type. Compared with the behaviour of plain masonry walls, the presence of tie-columns resulted into higher resistance and displacement capacity, as well as smaller lateral resistance degradation. The response of the model was determined by storey mechanism with predominant shear behaviour of the walls and failure mechanism of the same type as in the case of individual confined masonry walls. Adequate seismic behaviour of this particular masonry structural type can be expected under the condition that the buildings are built as confined masonry system with limited number of stories.     

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.     

Shaking table tests on a full-scale unreinforced and IMG-retrofitted clay brick masonry barrel vault

The recent earthquakes in Italy demonstrated the extreme vulnerability of historical and cultural structures. Masonry vaults, which represent artistically valuable elements of these constructions, have been recognised among the most vulnerable elements. Traditional vault retrofit methods, such as buttresses or ties, are still widely adopted. These retrofit methods prevent differential displacements between vault supports (e.g., abutments, masonry piers and loadbearing walls). However, the pier differential displacement is not the only vulnerability source for vaults, and in many cases, further retrofit interventions are needed. Innovative retrofit methods based on inorganic matrixes, such as IMG, are aimed to prevent hinge mechanism failures. Such methods are suitable to be applied on vaults already retrofitted using traditional methods. The knowledge of the seismic behaviour of a vault, once the differential displacement between the supports is prevented, can be crucial to the assessment of potential further vulnerabilities of vaults already retrofitted with traditional methods. However, a deep knowledge of vault seismic behaviour is still lacking from an experimental point of view. Indeed, to date, few dynamic experimental studies have been conducted. Therefore, to investigate the seismic behaviour of masonry barrel vaults, several shaking table tests were performed on a full-scale specimen before and after the retrofit interventions. The tests investigated the main seismic properties of the tested structure and clarified the cracking mechanisms and capacity improvement due to the retrofit interventions. A comprehensive overview of the main results of the experimental tests has been presented.     

震后多层砌体结构的抗震鉴定与加固设计

本文以5·12汶川地震后绵竹市某砖混结构住宅为典型调查研究对象,介绍了震后多层砌体结构房屋的常见震害现象和一般震害规律,结合有关规范分析了一般受损建筑不同的抗震鉴定方法和手段,对比分析了各种抗震加固措施的加固效果与适用条件,较为全面地总结了一般多层砌体结构从震害调查到鉴定加固的方法和程序,为灾后砌体结构的抗震加固设计提...     

Out‐of‐plane seismic behaviour of rocking masonry walls

The evaluation of the out‐of‐plane behaviour of unreinforced walls is one of the most debated topics in the seismic assessment of existing masonry buildings. The discontinuous nature of masonry and its interaction with the remainder of the building make the dynamic modelling of out‐of‐plane response troublesome. In this paper, the results of a shaking table laboratory campaign on a tuff masonry, natural scale, U‐shaped assemblage (façade adjacent to transverse walls) are presented. The tests, excited by scaled natural accelerograms, replicate the behaviour of external walls in existing masonry buildings, from the beginning of rocking motion to overturning. Two approaches have been developed for modelling the out‐of‐plane seismic behaviour: the discrete element method and an SDOF analytic model. Both approaches are shown to be capable of reproducing the experimental behaviour in terms of maximum rotation and time history dynamic response. Finally, test results and numerical time history simulations have been compared with the Italian seismic code assessment procedures. Copyright © 2011 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,...     

Seismic upgrading of old masonry buildings by seismic isolation and CFRP laminates: a shaking-table study of reduced scale models

The efficiency of improving the seismic resistance of old masonry buildings by means of seismic isolation and confining the structure with CFRP laminate strips has been investigated. Five models of a simple two-story brick masonry building with wooden floors without wall ties have been tested on the shaking table. The control model has been built directly on the foundation slab. The second model has been separated from it by a damp-proof course in the form of a PVC sheet placed in the bed-joint between the second and the third course, whereas the third model has been isolated by rubber isolators placed between the foundation slab and structural walls. Models four and five have been confined with CFRP laminate strips, simulating the wall ties placed horizontally and vertically at floor levels and corners of the building, respectively. One of the CFRP strengthened models has been placed on seismic isolators. Tests have shown that a simple PVC sheet damp-proof course cannot be considered as seismic isolator unless adequately designed. Tests have also shown that the isolators alone did not prevent the separation of the walls. However, both models confined with CFRP strips exhibited significantly improved seismic behavior. The models did not collapse even when subjected to significantly stronger shaking table motion than that resisted by the control model without wall ties.     

Some aspects of testing small-scale masonry building models on simple earthquake simulators

The basic aspects of testing small-scale masonry building models on simple earthquake simulators are discussed. Since the scale effects represent a difficult problem to solve, the overall seismic behaviour of structural systems, and not the behaviour of structulal details, has been studied by testing the reduced-sized models on a simple earthquake simulator. Accurate results regarding the dynamic behaviour and failure mechanism of the tested structures have been obtained by means of testing the relatively simple, adequately designed small-scale masonry building models. A simple earthquake simulator capable of simulating the uni-directional earthquake ground motion has been developed to study the seismic behaviour of masonry building models. Although a multipurpose programmable actuator was used to drive the shaking table, the comparison of the dynamic characteristics of the generated shaking-table motion and the earthquake acceleration records used for the simulation of seismic loads showed an acceptable degree of correlation between the input and output seismic motion.     

Development of an innovative seismic strengthening technique for traditional load-bearing masonry walls

Traditional non-reinforced masonry walls are particularly prone to failure when subjected to out-of-plane loads and displacements caused by earthquakes. Moreover, singularities such as openings in fa?ades may trigger local collapse, for either in-plane or out-of plane motion. Bearing in mind all the former limitations, STAP, with the scientific support of ICIST and LNEC, has been developing a reduced intrusiveness seismic strengthening methodology for traditional masonry structures. The technique consists in externally applying Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) composite strips to one or both faces of walls. Connection between GFRP composite strips and masonry substrate is enhanced through specifically detailed anchorages or confinement connectors. This technique has been developed and studied through an extensive series of experimental tests, which are briefly reviewed. This paper focuses more deeply on the latest experimental program, aimed at the characterization of the masonry-GFRP composite interface behaviour. This testing program comprised 29 masonry specimens, strengthened with externally bonded GFRP composite strips with anchorages. The testing variables were the number and spacing of anchorages as well as the loading history type: monotonic or repeated. Results clearly show that the use of anchorages dramatically enhances bond behaviour and that its number and spacing have a significant effect on deformation capacity and a less pronounced effect on strength. Based on experimental evidence, this paper also provides a calculation model and ULS safety assessment procedure for out-of-plane strength of reinforced masonry walls. This calculation model leads to interaction curves on strengthened masonry walls subjected to compression and out-of-plane flexure.     

Assessment of seismic resistance of masonry structures including boundary conditions

The paper is devoted to the investigation of seismic response of the masonry structure and describes experiences with modelling of boundary conditions during the test of large heavy model on 6DOF shaking table. The main aim of the research was how to increase dynamic resistance capacity of old masonry buildings including the medium and strong seismic effects. The results of theoretical and numerical analyses are compared including initial forecasting calculations made before any test started. The emphasis is given to the boundary conditions reached during the excitation of the large masonry model via shaking table. Strengthening and retrofitting procedures and their effects are discussed when special fibre mortar is used for repair and strengthening of masonry parts of structure.     

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.     

Experimental testing, numerical modelling and seismic strengthening of traditional stone masonry: comprehensive study of a real Azorian pier

Stone masonry is one of the oldest building techniques used worldwide and it is known to exhibit poor behaviour under seismic excitations. In this context, this work aims at assessing the in-plane behaviour of an existing double-leaf stone masonry pier by experimental testing. Additionally, a detailed 3D finite element numerical analysis based on micro-modelling of the original pier is presented (fully describing the geometry and division of each individual elements, namely infill, blocks and joints) aiming at simulating the experimental test results. This numerical strategy can be seen as an alternative way of analysing this type of constructions, particularly useful for laboratory studies, and suitable for the calibration of simplified numerical models. As part of a wider research activity, this work is further complemented with the presentation of an effective retrofit/strengthening technique (reinforced connected plaster) to achieve a significant improvement of its in-plane cyclic response which is experimentally verified in the results presented herein.     

Seismic vulnerability of roof systems combining URM gable walls and timber diaphragms

Typical low-rise masonry buildings consist of unreinforced masonry (URM) walls covered with various timber roof configurations generally supported or finished by masonry gables. Post-earthquake observations and experimental outcomes highlighted the large vulnerability of the URM gables to the development of overturning mechanisms, both because of the inertial out-of-plane excitation and the in-plane timber diaphragm deformability. This paper presents the static and dynamic experimental seismic performance of three full-scale roofs tested via quasi-static cyclic and shake table tests. Two of them were tested as part of a whole full scale one-storey and two-storey building. A single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) numerical model is calibrated against experimental data and proposed for the analysis of this roof typology's dynamic behaviour. Several sets of analyses were conducted to assess the vulnerability of these structural components and to study the effect of the whole building's characteristics (eg, number of storeys and structural stiffness and strength) on the seismic performance of this roof typology.     

组合墙结构房屋抗震性能的振动台试验研究

通过三个组合墙模型房屋的振动台试验，分析了组合墙结构体系房屋的动力性能和抗震能力，比较了底一层和底两层框架组合墙房屋和普通组合墙房屋的抗震性能。结果表明，八层组合墙房屋的抗震能力远远超过设计能力，可用于八度地区，底框架组合墙房屋的抗震性能优于普通组合墙房屋，底两层框架组合墙房屋也优于底一层框架组合墙房屋。     

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。     

Simple and complex modelling of timber-framed masonry walls in Pombalino buildings

Timber-framed (TF) masonry has been developed as an effective lateral-load resisting system in regions of high seismicity such as Southern Europe. A salient feature of the ‘last generation’ of TF buildings is the presence of diagonal members that may consist of two diagonal braces. The present study focusses on alternative modelling procedures, ranging from simple to rather complex, for this interesting type of traditional structure. All models are applied to study the behaviour of full-scale specimens of diagonally-braced TF panels. The complex model is based on plasticity with contact surfaces for the connection between timber diagonals and masonry infills. A parametric analysis using this model shows that masonry infills affect only slightly the lateral force carried by this TF panel configuration. Furthermore, two simple modelling techniques are put forward for application in the analysis of large, realistic structures incorporating TF walls. The first one is directly connected to the complex modelling and is based on substructuring. A nine-step procedure is developed and is found to properly reproduce the response of the test specimens. The second simple model is a phenomenological one, developed on the basis of observed behaviour during tests and is a complete hysteretic model; however, for comparison purposes, all models are evaluated here with respect to the prediction of the envelope (pushover) curve for the walls tested under lateral loads.