A comparative study on a complex URM building. Part II: issues on modelling and seismic analysis through continuum and discrete-macroelement models

Author(s):  
Giovanni Castellazzi ◽  
Bartolomeo Pantò ◽  
Giuseppe Occhipinti ◽  
Diego Alejandro Talledo ◽  
Luisa Berto ◽  
...  

Abstract The paper presents the comparison of the results obtained on a masonry building by nonlinear static analysis using different software operating in the field of continuum and discrete-macroelement modeling. The structure is inspired by an actual building, the "P. Capuzi" school in Visso (Macerata, Italy), seriously damaged following the seismic events that affected Central Italy from August 2016 to January 2017. The activity described is part of a wider research program carried out by various units involved in the ReLUIS 2017/2108 - Masonry Structures project and having as its object the analysis of benchmark structures for the evaluation of the reliability of software packages. The comparison of analysis was carried out in relation to: global parameters (concerning the dynamic properties, capacity curves and equivalent bilinear curves), synthetic parameters of structural safety (such as, for example, the maximum acceleration compatible with the life safety limit state) and the response in terms of simulated damage. The results allow for some insights on the use of continuum and discrete-macroelement modeling, with respect to the dispersion of the results and on the potential repercussions in the professional field. This response was also analyzed considering different approaches for the application of loads. URM building.

Author(s):  
G. Castellazzi ◽  
B. Pantò ◽  
G. Occhipinti ◽  
D. A. Talledo ◽  
L. Berto ◽  
...  

AbstractThe paper presents the comparison of the results obtained on a masonry building by nonlinear static analysis using different software operating in the field of continuum and discrete-macroelement modeling. The structure is inspired by an actual building, the "P. Capuzi" school in Visso (Macerata, Italy), seriously damaged following the seismic events that affected Central Italy from August 2016 to January 2017. The activity described is part of a wider research program carried out by various units involved in the ReLUIS 2017/2108—Masonry Structures project and having as its object the analysis of benchmark structures for the evaluation of the reliability of software packages. The comparison of analysis was carried out in relation to: global parameters (concerning the dynamic properties, capacity curves and, equivalent bilinear curves), synthetic parameters of structural safety (such as, for example, the maximum acceleration compatible with the life safety limit state) and the response in terms of simulated damage. The results allow for some insights on the use of continuum and discrete-macroelement modeling, with respect to the dispersion of the results and on the potential repercussions in the professional field. This response was also analyzed considering different approaches for the application of loads.


Author(s):  
Daria Ottonelli ◽  
Carlo Filippo Manzini ◽  
Corrado Marano ◽  
Emilia Angela Cordasco ◽  
Serena Cattari

AbstractThe paper presents the comparison of the results of nonlinear static analyses carried out using six software packages (SWs) available at professional level and operating in the field of the equivalent frame (EF) approach on a model representative of a complex masonry building. The structure is inspired by the school “P. Capuzi” in Visso (MC, Italy), proposed as one of the benchmark structures in the “URM nonlinear modelling—Benchmark project” funded by the Italian Department of Civil Protection within the context of the ReLUIS projects. The 2-stories building is characterized by an irregular T-shaped plan and load-bearing walls consisting of two-leaf stone masonry with a rather regular bond scheme. The school was severely damaged by the seismic sequence that hit Central Italy in 2016/2017 and essentially exhibited a global in-plane box-type response, with a clear evidence of cracks concentrated in piers and spandrels. The availability of an accurate survey of the crack extension represents a precious and rare reference to firstly address in the paper the rules to be adopted in the EF models for the definition of the structural elements geometry. Then, the comparison of results is made with a twofold aim: firstly, by setting the models adopting shared and consistent modelling assumptions across the SWs; secondly, by investigating the sensitivity of the seismic response to some common epistemic and modelling uncertainties (namely: the adoption of various EF idealization rules for walls, the out-of-plane contribution of piers, the flange effect). In both cases, results are post-processed to define reference values of the achievable dispersion. The comparison is carried out in relation to a wide set of parameters, namely: global parameters (e.g. dynamic properties, pushover curves and equivalent bilinear curves); synthetic parameters of the structural safety (i.e. the maximum acceleration compatible with the ultimate limit state); the damage pattern simulated by SWs.


Author(s):  
Carlo Filippo Manzini ◽  
Daria Ottonelli ◽  
Stefania Degli Abbati ◽  
Corrado Marano ◽  
Emilia Angela Cordasco

AbstractThe paper presents the comparison of the results of non-linear static analyses performed with different software based on the equivalent frame (EF) modelling approach on a simple two-story unreinforced masonry building with rigid diaphragms. This study is part of a wider research activity carried out in the framework of the Italian Network of Seismic Laboratories (ReLUIS) projects, funded by the Italian Department of Civil Protection. Different configurations have been considered varying the layout of the openings on the bearing walls and the structural details. The EF models have been defined adopting as much as possible common assumptions, in order to reduce the epistemic modelling uncertainties and to facilitate the interpretation of the differences in the results obtained by the software. The comparison involved different aspects: the global scale response, in terms of capacity curves, the predicted damage pattern as well as checks at the local scale, in terms of distribution of the generalized forces. Moreover, in order to assess the reliability of the obtained results, the numerical predictions have been compared to an analytical upper bound reference solution. Finally, the sensitivity of the numerical response to the criterion adopted for the EF idealization of masonry walls has been investigated.


Author(s):  
Stefania Degli Abbati ◽  
Paolo Morandi ◽  
Serena Cattari ◽  
Enrico Spacone

AbstractThis paper presents the comparison of the results of modal and nonlinear analyses carried out on a 2-story masonry building with rigid diaphragms, inspired by the Pizzoli’s town hall (AQ, Italy). The case study is one of the Benchmark Structures (labeled BS6) in the “URM nonlinear modelling–Benchmark project” funded by the Italian Department of Civil Protection (DPC) within the framework of the ReLUIS projects. The building has been instrumented since 2009 with a permanent monitoring system by the Osservatorio Sismico delle Strutture (OSS) of the DPC and was hit by the 2016/2017 Central Italy earthquake sequence. In the research first phase, modal and nonlinear static analyses were carried out in a blind prediction, without any preliminary calibration of the models, but referring only to commonly made assumptions on materials and modelling. Five computer programs based on the Equivalent Frame Model (EFM) approach were used. Four different structural configurations were considered: with weak spandrels (A), with tie rods coupled to spandrels (B), with RC ring beams coupled to spandrels (C) and with “shear type” idealization (D). In the research second phase, two of the developed EFMs were calibrated in the elastic range using the results of available Ambient Vibration Tests (AVTs). The models were then validated in the nonlinear range by simulating the dynamic response of the structure recorded during the mainshocks of the 2016/2017 Central Italy earthquake. Recorded and numerical results were compared at both the global and local scale.


2020 ◽  
pp. 136943322097728
Author(s):  
Haoran Yu ◽  
Weibin Li

Reduced web section (RWS) connections and welded flange plate (WFP) connections can both effectively improve the seismic performance of a structure by moving plastic hinges to a predetermined location away from the column face. In this paper, two kinds of steel frames—with RWS connections and WFP connections—as well as different frames with welded unreinforced flange connections were studied through seismic fragility analysis. The numerical simulation was conducted by using multiscale FE modelling. Based on the incremental dynamic analysis and pushover analysis methods, probabilistic seismic demand analysis and seismic capability analysis were carried out, respectively. Finally, combined with the above analysis results, probabilistic seismic fragility analysis was conducted on the frame models. The results showed that the RWS connection and WFP connection (without double plates) have little influence on reducing the maximum inter-storey drift ratio under earthquake action. RWS connections slightly reduce the seismic capability in non-collapse stages and improve the seismic collapse resistance of a structure, which exhibits good structural ductility. WFP connections can comprehensively improve the seismic capability of a structure, but the seismic collapse resistance is worse than that of RWS connections when the structure has a large number of storeys. The frame with WFP connections has a lower failure probability at every seismic limit state, while the frame with RWS connections sacrifices some of its structural safety in non-collapse stages to reduce the collapse probability.


Author(s):  
A. Sandoli ◽  
G. P. Lignola ◽  
B. Calderoni ◽  
A. Prota

AbstractA hybrid seismic fragility model for territorial-scale seismic vulnerability assessment of masonry buildings is developed and presented in this paper. The method combines expert-judgment and mechanical approaches to derive typological fragility curves for Italian residential masonry building stock. The first classifies Italian masonry buildings in five different typological classes as function of age of construction, structural typology, and seismic behaviour and damaging of buildings observed following the most severe earthquakes occurred in Italy. The second, based on numerical analyses results conducted on building prototypes, provides all the parameters necessary for developing fragility functions. Peak-Ground Acceleration (PGA) at Ultimate Limit State attainable by each building’s class has been chosen as an Intensity Measure to represent fragility curves: three types of curve have been developed, each referred to mean, maximum and minimum value of PGAs defined for each building class. To represent the expected damage scenario for increasing earthquake intensities, a correlation between PGAs and Mercalli-Cancani-Sieber macroseismic intensity scale has been used and the corresponding fragility curves developed. Results show that the proposed building’s classes are representative of the Italian masonry building stock and that fragility curves are effective for predicting both seismic vulnerability and expected damage scenarios for seismic-prone areas. Finally, the fragility curves have been compared with empirical curves obtained through a macroseismic approach on Italian masonry buildings available in literature, underlining the differences between the methods.


2012 ◽  
Vol 39 (8) ◽  
pp. 867-877 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damien Gilles ◽  
Ghyslaine McClure

Structural engineers routinely use rational dynamic analysis methods for the seismic analysis of buildings. In linear analysis based on modal superposition or response spectrum approaches, the overall response of a structure (for instance, base shear or inter-storey drift) is obtained by combining the responses in several vibration modes. These modal responses depend on the input load, but also on the dynamic characteristics of the building, such as its natural periods, mode shapes, and damping. At the design stage, engineers can only predict the natural periods using eigenvalue analysis of structural models or empirical equations provided in building codes. However, once a building is constructed, it is possible to measure more precisely its dynamic properties using a variety of in situ dynamic tests. In this paper, we use ambient motions recorded in 27 reinforced concrete shear wall (RCSW) buildings in Montréal to examine how various empirical models to predict the natural periods of RCSW buildings compare to the periods measured in actual buildings under ambient loading conditions. We show that a model in which the fundamental period of RCSW buildings varies linearly with building height would be a significant improvement over the period equation proposed in the 2010 National Building Code of Canada. Models to predict the natural periods of the first two torsion modes and second sway modes are also presented, along with their uncertainty.


2010 ◽  
Vol 133-134 ◽  
pp. 623-628
Author(s):  
Marco Munari ◽  
Gianluca Busolo ◽  
Maria Rosa Valluzzi

A mechanical based method for the evaluation of the seismic capacity of masonry buildings’ classes in terms of damage limit states is presented: the purpose of the study is to achieve, in the framework of vulnerability analyses at territorial scale, reliable values for the damage level of vulnerability classes of masonry buildings, depending on the seismic input level. This approach is, in fact, designed as a “1st level” tool based on easily traceable information provided by expeditious surveys. Once identified a limited number of typological, physical and mechanical parameters that are necessary to define each vulnerability class, a significant number of simplified models of masonry buildings belonging to each class has been created. Non-linear static analysis of these models allowed the creation of bilinear elastic perfectly plastic capacity curves: the displacement capacity described by these curves is related with the actual displacement values required by seismic intensities associated to different return periods. It is so possible to identify, for different vulnerability classes and different seismic inputs, the loss of capacity in terms of damage level of each building. An application of the method to models representative of masonry buildings in the historical centre of Sulmona, in L’Aquila province, and a comparison of the results with others obtained with other methodologies of assessment are presented.


2012 ◽  
Vol 268-270 ◽  
pp. 646-655
Author(s):  
Fabio de Angelis ◽  
Donato Cancellara

In the present work we discuss on the seismic vulnerability of reinforced concrete existing buildings. In particular we consider a reinforced concrete building originally designed for only gravitational loads and located in a zone recently defined at seismic risk. According to the Italian seismic code NTC 2008 a displacement based approach is adopted and the N2-method is considered for the nonlinear seismic analysis. In the analysis all the masonry infill panels in effective interaction with the structural frame are considered for the nonlinear modeling of the structure. The influence of the effective masonry infills on the seismic response of the structure is analyzed and it is discussed how the effect of the masonry infills irregularly located within the building can give rise to a worsening of the seismic performance of the structure. It is shown that in the present case a not uniform positioning of the masonry infills within the building can give rise to a fragile structural behavior in the collapse mechanism. Furthermore a comparative analysis is performed by considering both the structure with the effective masonry infills and the bare structural frame. For these two structures a pushover analysis is performed, the relative capacity curves are derived and it is shown that fragile collapse mechanisms can occur depending on the irregular positioning of the effective masonry infills. Accordingly it is discussed how in the present case a decoupling of the effective masonry infills from the structural frame can give rise to a smoother response of the capacity curves. For the examined case of an obsolete building with irregular positioning of the masonry panels, the choice of decoupling the effective masonry panels from the structural frame may facilitate the retrofitting strategies for the achievement of the proper safety factors at the examined limit states.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Scandolo ◽  
Stefano Podestà

Abstract The evaluation of structural safety derives from the knowledge of material properties. In case of existent masonry building, the definition of reliable mechanical parameters could be a very difficult task to be achieved. For this reason, an estimation of these values is useful, for example it is the first phase of the knowledge process, for simplified mechanical model or when NTD test is the only possibility.The transversal connection in masonry panels is a technological detail that affects the static and seismic behavior and could significantly increase the strength of the element.In this paper the effect of transversal connection in double-leaf brickwork masonry panels is evaluated by diagonal compression tests. To achieve this goal, a new set-up was designed to load each leaf independently.The results have shown an increment of about 20% in strength if transversal connection is present. If the leaves have very different mechanical parameters, the tests highlight an unexpected behavior.


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