Vulnerability parameterization for masonry chimneys by means of a limit analysis approach

The paper gives a quantitative insight into the vulnerability of existing masonry chimneys located in Spain, accounting for horizontal loads, geometry and material deterioration. During the past two centuries, the industrialization process gave rise to a quick increase in the construction of chimneys, which were made almost exclusively by brickwork but present an almost infinite variety of geometries. Nowadays such structures are not used anymore as industrial artifacts, but they belong to the historical heritage and are constantly subjected to natural hazards. To their conservation, a high priority exists, because their specificities and their complex structural behavior are unique. A large survey of chimneys in terms of geometry, possible pre-existing damages, and their location has been carried out in the past. The parameterization of their vulnerability is here carried using a kinematic limit analysis approach based on different pre-assigned failure mechanisms. It is observed an inverse proportional relationship among slenderness, present damage parameters, and the expected lateral load-bearing capacity. The parameterization here proposed permits to characterize in a fast and reliable way the vulnerability of such structures and to propose further actions aimed at an effective strengthening.