scholarly journals Modelling medieval masonry construction: taxa-specific and habitat-contingent Bayesian techniques for the interpretation of radiocarbon data from Mortar-Entrapped Relict Limekiln Fuels

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Thacker
Keyword(s):  
Wood Charcoal ◽  
Model Specification ◽  
Theoretical Studies ◽  
Masonry Buildings ◽  
Bayesian Techniques ◽  
Bayesian Estimates ◽  
Masonry Construction ◽  
Radiocarbon Data ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Fuel Source

AbstractUsing data from simulated and actual case studies, this paper assesses the accuracy and precision of Bayesian estimates for the constructional date of medieval masonry buildings, generated from the radiocarbon evidence returned by different assemblages of wood-charcoal mortar-entrapped relict limekiln fuel (MERLF). The results from two theoretical studies demonstrate how Bayesian model specifications can be varied to generate a chronologically continuous spectrum of distributions from radiocarbon datasets subject Inbuilt Age (IA). Further analysis suggests that the potential for these distributions to contain the date of the constructional event depends largely upon the accuracy of the latest radiocarbon determination within each dataset, while precision is predicated on dataset age range, dataset size and model specification. These theoretical studies inform revised approaches to the radiocarbon evidence emerging from six culturally important Scottish medieval masonry buildings, each of which is associated with a wood-charcoal MERLF assemblage of different botanical character. The Bayesian estimates generated from these radiocarbon datasets are remarkably consistent with the historical and archaeological evidence currently associated with these sites, while age range distributions suggest the IA of each MERLF assemblage has been constrained by the taxa-specific and environmentally contingent lifespans and post-mortem durabilities of the limekiln fuel source. These studies provide further evidence that Bayesian techniques can generate consistently accurate chronological estimates for the construction of medieval masonry buildings from MERLF radiocarbon data, whatever the ecological provenance of the limekiln fuel source. Estimate precision is contingent upon source ecology and craft technique but can be increased by a more informed approach to materials analysis and interpretation.

Performance of Masonry Buildings during the 2002 Molise, Italy, Earthquake

2004 ◽  
Vol 20 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 191-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Decanini ◽  
Adriano De Sortis ◽  
Agostino Goretti ◽  
Randolph Langenbach ◽  
Fabrizio Mollaioli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Site Effects ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Masonry Buildings ◽  
Damage Pattern ◽  
The Past ◽  
Masonry Construction ◽  
Material Characteristics ◽  
Macroseismic Scale ◽  
Observed Damage

The 2002 Molise, Italy, earthquake struck a relatively limited geographical area where the communities are mainly agrarian. While most buildings in the region are masonry, there are significant differences in the type of masonry construction, as material characteristics and construction practices had changed over the centuries. This paper focuses on the masonry buildings that predominate in domestic construction. The most significant features that contributed to the damage pattern appear to be (1) construction criteria, techniques, and details that were inadequate for seismically active areas, particularly in buildings constructed or substantially modified over the past 100 years, and (2) site effects resulting from differences in amplification and frequency of the vibrations that locally increased the destructiveness of the earthquake. The observed damage did not correlate to the vulnerability that would be assigned to the structures under the European Macroseismic Scale.

Estimation in Parallel Randomized Experiments

1981 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 377-401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald B. Rubin
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Bayes ◽  
Predictive Distribution ◽  
Model Specification ◽  
Randomized Experiments ◽  
Posterior Predictive Distribution ◽  
Bayesian Techniques ◽  
Simulation Techniques ◽  
Simple Simulation ◽  
The One ◽  
New Treatments

Many studies comparing new treatments to standard treatments consist of parallel randomized experiments. In the example considered here, randomized experiments were conducted in eight schools to determine the effectiveness of special coaching programs for the SAT. The purpose here is to illustrate Bayesian and empirical Bayesian techniques that can be used to help summarize the evidence in such data about differences among treatments, thereby obtaining improved estimates of the treatment effect in each experiment, including the one having the largest observed effect. Three main tools are illustrated: 1) graphical techniques for displaying sensitivity within an empirical Bayes framework, 2) simple simulation techniques for generating Bayesian posterior distributions of individual effects and the largest effect, and 3) methods for monitoring the adequacy of the Bayesian model specification by simulating the posterior predictive distribution in hypothetical replications of the same treatments in the same eight schools.

Damage as a measure for earthquake-resistant design of masonry structures: Slovenian experienceThis article is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue on Masonry.

2007 ◽  
Vol 34 (11) ◽  
pp. 1403-1412 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miha Tomaževič
Keyword(s):  
Lateral Displacement ◽  
Reduction Factor ◽  
Shaking Table ◽  
Eurocode 8 ◽  
Masonry Buildings ◽  
Limit States ◽  
Masonry Construction ◽  
Displacement Capacity ◽  
Earthquake Resistant Design ◽  
Earthquake Resistant

The results of lateral resistance tests of masonry walls and shaking table tests of a number of models of masonry buildings of various structural configurations, built with various materials in different construction systems, have been analyzed to find a correlation between the occurrence of different grades of damage to structural elements, characteristic limit states, and lateral displacement capacity. On the basis of correlation between acceptable level of damage and displacement capacity, it has been shown that the range of elastic force reduction factor values used to determine the design seismic loads for different masonry construction systems proposed by the recently adopted European standard Eurocode 8 EN-1998-1 for earthquake resistant design are adequate. By using the recommended design values, satisfactory performance of the masonry buildings that have been analyzed may be expected when subjected to design intensity earthquakes with respect to both the no-collapse and damage-limitation requirements.

scholarly journals The building features acquired from the indigenous technology contributing in the better performance during earthquake: a case study of Bhaktapur City

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 41-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dipendra Gautam
Keyword(s):  
Unreinforced Masonry ◽  
Building Construction ◽  
Masonry Buildings ◽  
Construction Technology ◽  
Engineering Construction ◽  
Masonry Construction ◽  
Earthquake Resistant Design ◽  
Earthquake Resistant ◽  
Historical Database

This paper compiles the indigenous technologies adopted in the Bhaktapur municipality, Nepal in the unreinforced masonry construction of traditional Newari houses constituting more than 90% buildings in Bhaktapur municipality and their significance during the earthquake. The building units adopted in this area are studied with respect to their performance during earthquake on the basis of seismic resistant design philosophy. The traditionally built non-engineered buildings have drawn the attention of disaster managers for many years; in this regard, the unreinforced masonry buildings (Newari houses) were assessed after the Sikkim-Nepal boarder earthquake of 2011.Still, the buildings constructed before the starting of engineering construction in Nepal are widely used for residential purpose at this culturally rich city and the traditional building construction technology which is the indigenous technology has been practiced for centuries too. The building features are analyzed with respect to their seismic performance and their contribution was analyzed as per the historical database; established practices and theories for earthquake resistant design (EQRD). The collected features and the analyses proved the features of the buildings to be sound during earthquake, though; the buildings were constructed with indigenous technology which nevertheless consults the EQRD within it. The indigenous technology at this city has been attached with the culture of the Newars for centuries.

Damage to masonry buildings caused by the 1995 Hyogo-ken Nanbu (Kobe, Japan) earthquake

1996 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 797-807 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michel Bruneau ◽  
Koji Yoshimura
Keyword(s):  
Unreinforced Masonry ◽  
Masonry Buildings ◽  
Masonry Structures ◽  
Design Codes ◽  
Epicentral Area ◽  
The Past ◽  
Masonry Construction ◽  
Kobe Earthquake ◽  
Reinforced Masonry ◽  
A Minor

The seismic performance of the few masonry structures present in the Kobe area and subjected to the severe Hyogo-ken Nanbu earthquake is a minor concern when compared to the overwhelming damage suffered by other types of structures. However, in order to dispel the myth that masonry structures are nonexistent in Japan as well as a few other misconceptions, and for the sake of completeness within the concerted multipaper reporting effort on the Hyogo-ken Nanbu (Kobe) earthquake by the Canadian reconnaissance team which visited the epicentral area of this earthquake, a brief description of the past and present state of masonry construction in Japan is first presented, followed by a short description of the damage to unreinforced masonry buildings, masonry garden-walls, and nonstructural masonry elements, as observed by the authors during their visits to the Kobe area. Key words: earthquake, seismic, masonry, buildings, bearing walls, unreinforced masonry, reinforced masonry, failures, design codes.

Absolute age range of the Late Cypriot IIC Period on Cyprus

Antiquity ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 75 (288) ◽  
pp. 328-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sturt W. Manning ◽  
Bernhard Weninger ◽  
Alison K. South ◽  
Barbara Kling ◽  
Peter Ian Kuniholm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radiocarbon Data ◽  
Absolute Age ◽  
Age Range

Extensive radiocarbon data are examined, including results from short-lived samples contemporary with use-contexts. An absolute date range for the main Late Cypriot IIC period on Cyprus, from c. 1340–1315 BC to c. 1200 BC, is proposed.

scholarly journals Applications of innovative composite materials for seismic strengthening of masonry structures

Alternativas ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 129-141
Author(s):  
Francesco Micelli
Keyword(s):  
Composite Materials ◽  
Seismic Vulnerability ◽  
Global Analysis ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Large Field ◽  
Masonry Buildings ◽  
Seismic Strengthening ◽  
Masonry Construction ◽  
Kinematic Analyses

Masonry buildings are prone to brittle collapses under seismic forces due to their fragility and low capacity to resist against cyclic actions. In most cases failures occur in forms of rigid collapses due to loss of equilibrium of entire structural parts, and this is due to low quality of structural detailing or horizontal forces due to vaults and arches that increase their intensity during earthquakes.The entire architectural heritage is represented by masonry construction, also in seismic areas, thus a mandatory issue consists of preserving the historical value against natural events such as earthquakes. In the last years new materials were employed as strengthening systems for structural purposes, and composite materials are those that have found a large field of application in this context. New structural solutions for seismic strengthening and retrofit are presented in the paper, with reference to real applications in which composite materials demonstrated to be effective solutions.The applications will be presented with reference to two historical masonry buildings, having different construction schemes; in which pre tensioned FRP wires were designed and applied as ties. The use of FRP wires for the first building was studied with reference to the existing cracking problems, which were investigated by means of non-destructive techniques, visual inspections and local destructive tests. The second case reports a study of seismic vulnerability for a large building used as theatre, in which a global analysis was accompanied by kinematic analyses that were run under linear and non- linear approaches. The results of the analyses allowed understanding the possible failure mechanisms that needed to be inhibited by an effective structural strengthening system. Also in this case the use of FRP pre-tensioned wires, about 40 m long, demonstrate to be the most effective structural device in terms of costs and speed of application.The seismic analyses (global and local) will be illustrated and discussed in the paper, with reference to the experimental tests that were necessary for the characterization of the material properties. The results will show how the presence of the FRP system is able to prevent possible collapses of the high walls that are present in the building.

Performance of masonry structures during the 1994 Northridge (Los Angeles) earthquake

1995 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 378-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michel Bruneau
Keyword(s):  
Los Angeles ◽  
Unreinforced Masonry ◽  
Masonry Building ◽  
Masonry Buildings ◽  
Masonry Structures ◽  
Northridge Earthquake ◽  
Seismic Evaluation ◽  
Masonry Construction ◽  
Reinforced Masonry ◽  
The Impact

The surface magnitude 6.8 Northridge earthquake which struck the Los Angeles area on January 17, 1994, damaged a large number of engineered buildings, of nearly all construction types. As earthquakes of at least similar strength are expected to occur in most of eastern and western Canada, the study of the effects of this earthquake is of particular significance to Canada. This paper, as part of a concerted multi-paper reporting effort, concentrates on the damage suffered by masonry buildings during this earthquake, and explains why the various types of observed failures occurred. The seismic performance of all masonry construction similar to that commonly found in Canada is reviewed, but a particular emphasis is placed on providing an overview of damage to unreinforced masonry structures which had been rehabilitated before this earthquake. To provide a better appreciation of the impact of this earthquake on masonry buildings, and a better assessment of the engineering significance of their damage in a Canadian perspective, this paper first reviews the evolution of building code requirements for unreinforced masonry buildings up to the seismic retrofit ordinances enacted prior to this earthquake. Examples of various damage types, as observed by the author during his reconnaissance visit to the stricken area, are then presented, along with technically substantiated descriptions of the causes for this damage, and cross-references to relevant clauses from Canadian standards and codes, as well as the recently published Canadian Guidelines for the Seismic Evaluation of Existing Buildings, whenever appropriate. Key words: earthquake, unreinforced masonry, seismic rehabilitation, retrofit, retrofitted masonry building, reinforced masonry, buildings, failure, collapse, heritage buildings.

A History of Reinforced Masonry Construction Designed to Resist Earthquakes: 1755-1907

1984 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Tobriner
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Common Sense ◽  
The United States ◽  
Earthquake Damage ◽  
Masonry Buildings ◽  
Long Beach ◽  
Masonry Construction ◽  
Reinforced Masonry ◽  
History Of

Although the reinforcement of masonry buildings against earthquake damage was known as early as 1755, it only came of age in the United States in the late 1930s. This survey, which includes antiseismic construction systems dating from 1755, 1783, 1784, 1854, 1870, 1872, 1906 and 1907 illustrates how common sense solutions for the reinforcement of masonry buildings had already been invented and used long before the Long Beach earthquake in 1933 which stimulated modern reinforcement research.

The Borah Peak, Idaho Earthquake of October 28, 1983—Performance of Unreinforced Masonry Buildings in Mackay, Idaho

1985 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 205-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Reitherman
Keyword(s):  
Unreinforced Masonry ◽  
Earthquake Resistance ◽  
Masonry Buildings ◽  
Masonry Construction ◽  
Wood Frame

Damage to buildings in Mackay, Idaho during the October 28, 1983 Borah Peak earthquake was largely limited to unreinforced masonry construction, including the unreinforced masonry chimneys of wood frame dwellings. Except for chimneys, which typically collapsed or were severely damaged, the level of damage was only slight to moderate, even though the earthquake resistance of the construction was very low, even for unreinforced masonry.

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