Semiempirical Formulations for Estimating the Main Frequency of Slender Masonry Towers
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 31, Issue 4
Abstract
The paper focuses on the analysis of the outcomes of some experimental tests carried out in San Gimignano (Siena, Italy), aimed at measuring the natural frequencies of the medieval masonry towers still present in the historic city center. Information on the investigated towers was inserted into a wider database that collected dynamic, mechanical, and geometrical features of masonry towers. A large amount of data was collected from a literature review, then summing up as many as 43 different case studies. Collected data were then used to identify the main physical parameters influencing the dynamic behavior of slender masonry towers and to critically evaluate the existing empirical formulations proposed for the estimation of the first natural frequency of such structural typology. Correlations between fundamental frequencies and the geometric characteristics and mechanical parameters are discussed, and a novel semiempirical formulation is eventually proposed for a reliable prediction of the main frequency of slender masonry towers.
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Acknowledgments
The authors kindly acknowledge the Region of Tuscany, which financially supported the research (theme PAR FAS 2007-2013—CIPE No. 166/2007—line 1.1.a.3: Science and Technology for the preservation and enhancement of cultural heritage).
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Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 31 • Issue 4 • August 2017
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©2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 11, 2016
Accepted: Nov 22, 2016
Published ahead of print: Feb 15, 2017
Published online: Feb 16, 2017
Discussion open until: Jul 16, 2017
Published in print: Aug 1, 2017
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