Understanding and modelling crack patterns in a masonry farmhouse

The stress analysis of a masonry farmhouse in Northern Italy is investigated, the oldest part of which dates back to the 17th century. The building has experienced severe structural problems, which are likely to be due to differential settlements. An extensive crack pattern, including vertical and inclined passing cracks, can be observed. A static monitoring system was installed to track the evolution of the major cracks for a duration of 18 months. An attempt at interpreting the crack pattern was carried out by developing a detailed finite element model, to which suitable boundary conditions were prescribed to model presumed ground settlements. The main cracks existing in the building were also included in the model, to assess the current conditions of the building. The tensile stresses in some parts of the building are found to be sufficiently high to induce further crack growth. Eventually, the vulnerability of the building to possible seismic actions was assessed. The numerical results are used to propose a simple retrofitting strategy for the building.