This paper presents some numerical results obtained with advanced finite element numerical methods applied to the analysis of masonry vaults up to collapse. To be reliable, any procedure adopted should take into account the distinctive aspects of masonry mechanical behavior, namely the low (or zero) tensile strength, the good compressive resistance, high friction coefficient and the importance of the overall geometry for achieving the equilibrium. Classic no-tension material models, whilst relatively simple, disregard the little but not null tensile strength and make the additional simplifying hypothesis of (1) infinitely elastic behavior in compression and (2) isotropy, giving thus the possibility to deal with either semi-analytical approaches (especially for arches) or robust numerical procedures. More advanced models are used in these study cases, for suitably reproducing the little tensile strength with softening, as well as the finite strength in compression (crushing). Two case studies of vaults severely damaged by the recent Emilia Romagna earthquake are analyzed, namely the Giulio II's cross vault placed in the main tower of the fortress of San Felice sul Panaro and the two cross vaults of Torre Fornasini in Poggio Renatico, both severely damaged by the long seismic sequence in May 2012. Alternative standard numerical procedures have been also utilized for comparison purpose. A direct validation of the crack patterns found numerically with those observed during the post-seismic surveys is also possible in the last case.

Advanced Numerical Strategies for the Analysis of Masonry Vaults in the Non-Linear Range: Two Cases of Damage induced by the 2012 Emilia Romagna Earthquake

MILANI, GABRIELE;
2015-01-01

Abstract

This paper presents some numerical results obtained with advanced finite element numerical methods applied to the analysis of masonry vaults up to collapse. To be reliable, any procedure adopted should take into account the distinctive aspects of masonry mechanical behavior, namely the low (or zero) tensile strength, the good compressive resistance, high friction coefficient and the importance of the overall geometry for achieving the equilibrium. Classic no-tension material models, whilst relatively simple, disregard the little but not null tensile strength and make the additional simplifying hypothesis of (1) infinitely elastic behavior in compression and (2) isotropy, giving thus the possibility to deal with either semi-analytical approaches (especially for arches) or robust numerical procedures. More advanced models are used in these study cases, for suitably reproducing the little tensile strength with softening, as well as the finite strength in compression (crushing). Two case studies of vaults severely damaged by the recent Emilia Romagna earthquake are analyzed, namely the Giulio II's cross vault placed in the main tower of the fortress of San Felice sul Panaro and the two cross vaults of Torre Fornasini in Poggio Renatico, both severely damaged by the long seismic sequence in May 2012. Alternative standard numerical procedures have been also utilized for comparison purpose. A direct validation of the crack patterns found numerically with those observed during the post-seismic surveys is also possible in the last case.
2015
Proceedings of the Fifteenth International Conference on Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering Computing
masonry vaults, case studies, numerical analyses, DIANA
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11311/971838
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