Nonlinear Numerical Modeling of Complex Masonry Heritage Structures Considering History-Related Phenomena in Staged Construction Analysis and Material Uncertainty in Seismic Assessment
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 34, Issue 5
Abstract
This paper presents the systematic use of numerical analysis as a tool for addressing some of the most common challenges encountered in the structural analysis of complex historical masonry structures, that is, the description of the effects of history-related phenomena and the uncertainty of material properties. The numerical strategy is based on the use of a constitutive model able to describe time-dependent strain accumulation, as well as damaging behavior under different stress states. This constitutive model is combined with a crack-tracking technique to represent tensile crack localization. The numerical model is applied to the study of two important monuments in Spain; the Mallorca Cathedral and the church of the Poblet Monastery. The staged construction analysis of the first case study allows for understanding the reasons of its current deformed condition, that is, critical construction process, strain accumulation given by long-term creep phenomena, and nonlinear geometric effects. The structural analysis of the second case study allows the structural diagnosis of the existing deformation and cracking patterns given by architectural alterations, insufficient buttressing of the naves, and past earthquakes. The application of a probabilistic analysis to the church of the Poblet monastery allows for considering the effects of the uncertainties of material properties and numerical parameters in the seismic vulnerability assessment.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MCIU) of the Spanish Government, the State Agency of Research (AEI), and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the SEVERUS project (multilevel evaluation of seismic vulnerability and risk mitigation of masonry buildings in resilient historical urban centres ref. no. RTI2018-099589-BI00).
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Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 34 • Issue 5 • October 2020
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© 2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Feb 6, 2020
Accepted: Apr 7, 2020
Published online: Jul 16, 2020
Published in print: Oct 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Dec 16, 2020
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