OUT-OF-PLANE SEISMIC RESISTANCE OF MASONRY WALLS

Seismic vulnerability of unreinforced masonry buildings is studied by means of simplified out-of-plane collapse mechanisms that take into account connections with transversal walls. According to experimental evidence, the analysis assumes that failure is reached with a rigid body motion of a part of the facade that falls down. Two classes of mechanism are examined: the overturning of the facade due either to a vertical crack at the connection or a diagonal crack on the transversal wall, both defined resorting to a simple model of masonry fabric, viewed as a regular assembly of rigid blocks and elastic plastic joints with friction but no cohesion. The use of simplified mechanisms give rise to an explicit evaluation of the seismic resistance to changes in the geometry and in the masonry fabrics, that could be used by practising engineers. This formulation is developed for both static horizontal actions and ground velocity peak, in the belief that the latter probably gives a better approximation of seismic action, while also providing, by comparison with the results of static forces, an estimate of the behaviour factor for unreinforced masonry. Eventually, the analytical forecasts are compared with numerical results obtained by means of the distinct element method.     

SOME DESIGN PRINCIPLES RELEVANT TO TORSIONAL PHENOMENA IN DUCTILE BUILDINGS

Recent studies provided opportunities to review some of the principles, which have been used in the formulations of internationally accepted code-recommendations relevant to the seismic design of ductile buildings also subjected to torsional phenomena. With the progress of this study, features emerged which are considered to have contributed to a better understanding of structural behaviour. Moreover, the identification of deeply embedded fallacies, relevant to ductile response, suggested the introduction of some changes in seismic design strategies, yet not widely known or appreciated. Reasons for necessary re-interpretations of traditional structural properties, together with illustrative examples, demonstrating applications, rather than set code-type rules, are offered.     

A MICROMECHANICAL INELASTIC MODEL FOR HISTORICAL MASONRY

A micromechanical damage model for the Snite element modelling of historical masonry structures is presented in this article. Masonry is considered as a composite medium made up of a periodic assembly of blocks connected by orthogonal bed and head mortar joints. The constitutive equations, in plane stress, are based on the homogenisation theory and they consider the non linear stress-strain relationship in terms of mean stress and mean strain. Different in-plane damage mechanisms, involving both mortar and blocks, are considered and the damage process is governed by evolution laws based on an energetic approach derived from Fracture Mechanics and on a non-associated Coulomb friction law. The failure domain of the model is analysed both in the equivalent stress and in the principal stress space considering different orientations of the bed joints relative to the loading direction. A comparison with experimental results is provided. A numerical simulation of masonry walls subjected to horizontal forces proportional to their own weight is shown in order to discuss the model's capability of describing the influence of the masonry microstructure on its mechanical behaviour.     

ON THE SEISMIC VULNERABILITY OF EXISTING UNREINFORCED MASONRY BUILDINGS

A large part of the building population in Switzerland is made of unreinforced masonry. For the assessment of the seismic risk the evaluation of the seismic vulnerability of existing unreinforced masonry buildings is therefore crucial. In this paper a method to evaluate existing buildings, which was developed for the earthquake scenario project for Switzerland, is briefly introduced and discussed in more detail for unreinforced masonry buildings. The method is based on a non-linear static approach where the seismic demand on the building is compared with the capacity of the building. In-plane and out-of-plane behaviour are considered. Comparisons with test results from model buildings show that the proposed method suitably forecasts the capacity of a building. Finally, a numerical example of the application of the method to a building in the city of Basel is given.     

INFLUENCE OF CAPACITY DESIGN METHOD ON THE SEISMIC RESPONSE OF R/C COLUMNS

Abstract

This paper aims at assessing the influence of the design procedure followed in designing the columns of a reinforced concrete (R/C) building on the performance of the columns, aa well as of the structure as a whole, when subjected to seismic loading; to identify potential weaknesses in currently adopted procedures; and to present a new procedure which is based on currently-available, powerful analytical tools, and results in increased reliability with regard to seismic loading. Two case studies are presented, involving multistorey reinforced concrete buildings with frame and dual structural systems subjected to various appropriately-scaled input accelerograms. The results obtained indicate that capacity design of columns results in adequate safety margins against failure, even when the adopted overstrength factors are quite low, but hinging in columns is not avoided unless very high overstrength factors are used. The suggested novel technique of capacity design led to very satisfactory seismic performance, and offers the possibility of cost reduction by achieving an appropriate balance between provided flexural strength and corresponding confinement.     

ANALYTICAL MODELS FOR BRICK MASONRY INFILLED R/C FRAMES UNDER LATERAL LOADING

Proposed in this paper are two analytical models for predicting the inelastic response of unreinforced brick masonry infills in reinforced concrete frames subjected to mono-tonic and reversed cyclic loading. The first model is based on the traditional diagonal strut concept, while the second one is a simple isoparametric element with shear deformation only. All the essential characteristics of the hysteretic behaviour of the panel, including strength and stiffness degradation, pinching and slippage, are explicitly taken into account. The models are implemented in a general-purpose program for the inelastic time-history analysis of structures, and are used for studying the seismic behaviour of typical multistorey frames with various arrangements of infill panels, including structures with an open ground storey. The results of the analysis are in agreement with both experimentally observed behaviour and with experience regarding seismically damaged buildings.     

Monumentality in Urban Design: The Case of Russia

A prominent American urban geographer and observer of the Russian urban scene provides an overview of grand planning and monumental urban design in Russia and the former Soviet Union through the lens of four themes outlined in a previous paper by Larry Ford (2008). In the process, he adds two more themes relevant to Russia and the former USSR: town building and architecture intended to define and legitimize state power, and the shaping or remodeling of society to reflect a regime's ideology. Noting the obstacles in the West to getting large urban projects planned, accepted, and completed, he argues that monumental urban landscapes appear to demand some degree of sustained, centralized, authoritarian leadership. The latter has been present in Russia and the USSR during much of the past millennium, including the present, but the emergence of new commercial/corporate forces in urban land development also bears scrutiny in studies of the processes promoting urban monumentality. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: O18, R14, R52. 10 figures, 44 references.     

From values to narrative: a new foundation for the conservation of historic buildings

Since its inception, modern conservation has derived the significance of a heritage asset from the identification and prioritisation of distinct classes of values. Different systems of values have been proposed, and the focus of the debate has been on the competing merits of such systems, with little attention paid to the genealogy of their theoretical foundation. If such values-based systems were ever appropriate, they are increasingly out of step with other areas of cultural life, and the resulting tensions are particularly manifested when considering change to historic buildings and environments. The currently under-theorised state of conservation is positively harmful both to the conservation professions and to the buildings we seek to protect. It is increasingly urgent therefore that we understand conservation’s philosophical origins, that we question the application of a late-nineteenth-century modernist approach to culture, and that we seek a better theoretical foundation.     

SEISMIC FRAGILITY OF LRC FRAMES WITH AND WITHOUT MASONRY INFILL WALLS

This paper summarises the first phase of the fragility analyses of generic (representative) buildings in the area of Memphis, Tennessee, USA. The study was conducted at Cornell University as a part of the project Loss Assessment of Memphis Buildings (LAMB) for the National Center for Earthquake Engineering Research (NCEER). In this study, the fragility analyses focus on low-rise Lightly Reinforced Concrete (LRC) frame buildings with and without infill walls. The obtained fragility curves are compared with those of ATC-13 for different facility classes. Based on the obtained fragility curves, it is concluded that adding masonry infill wails to low-rise LRC frame buildings significantly reduces the likelihood of seismic damage.     

故宫古建筑结构可靠性问题研究

为保护故宫古建筑,采用归类汇总与理论分析相结合的方法,研究了故宫古建筑木结构的典型残损问题。基于大量现场勘查及理论分析结果,对故宫古建筑存在的典型可靠性问题进行了分类汇总,分析了产生这些问题的原因,提出了可行性加固建议。通过典型算例,对古建筑木结构加固方法进行了深入论证。结果表明:故宫古建筑木结构的柱子、斗栱、榫卯节点、梁架、屋顶、墙体等各部位都容易产生开裂、糟朽、变形、拔榫等可靠性问题并影响结构整体的稳定性能,而这些问题的产生原因主要与木结构的构造特征、木材材料性质及施工保养等因素有关;针对不同的可靠性问题,采取合理有效的加固方法,可提高古建筑结构整体的稳定性能。