From the theoretical point of view, systems composed by masonry arches or vaults would require, during construction, the simultaneous activation of all structural elements in order to reach the optimum balance of thrusts. This is not obviously the case of complex ancient masonry constructions, whose long and gradual building process may have contributed to their deformed condition and even to damage.In this paper, the possible influence of the construction process as well as that of later long-term deformation on the final condition of the building is investigated in the case of a complex and large historical structure, namely Mallorca Cathedral. A FE code has been specifically developed for the present study. The code is able to account for construction processes through sequential-evolutionary analyses, with the description of masonry mechanical damage and long-term deformation. The representative bay of the cathedral is analyzed taking into account different construction phases, as emerged from historical research. The response of such substructure to transverse earthquake equivalent forces is then investigated. In this case, the damage model is improved with a local crack-tracking algorithm. This numerical strategy models the tensile damage as distinct cracks, leading to a better prediction of realistic collapsing mechanisms.
Abstract
From the theoretical point of view, systems composed by masonry arches or vaults would require, during construction, the simultaneous activation of all structural elements in order to reach [...]
An experimental and numerical analysis of the structural behaviour of a barrel
tuff masonry vault strengthened by a Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM)
reinforcement system it is proposed. The geometry and the materials of the vault are
representative of some historical constructions in Apulia (Italy). The vault, under the action
of the self-weight and of a distributed load representative of the infill, has been first damaged
by differential settlement of abutments, and then repaired and strengthened by FRCM
composites. Finally the structure has been subjected to a increasing concentrated load on the
extrados. A 3D heterogeneous FE Abaqus numerical model describing the above mentioned
experimental conditions is carried out in order to reproduce the response of the FRCM
reinforced vault. The obtained experimental and numerical results allows for discussing the
structural behaviour of the reinforced vault, and then the effectiveness of the employed
reinforcement.
Abstract
An experimental and numerical analysis of the structural behaviour of a barrel
tuff masonry vault strengthened by a Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM)
reinforcement system it is proposed. The geometry and the materials of the vault are
representative [...]
This article presents the analysis of the structure of Mallorca Cathedral taking into account the influence on the structural behavior of auxiliary iron ties used during the construction process. Recent studies (Roca et al. 2012, 2013) presented some hypotheses about the construction process of the cathedral. This article complements the previous results by considering the use of auxiliary ties as temporary stabilizing device during the construction. Evidence of the use of ties during the construction has been recognized after a comprehensive survey. The study of the role of such ties and the effect of their later removal are studied by a FE analysis carried out on a representative bay of the structure. The study includes a time-dependent FE analysis after the removal of the ties to assess the long-term structural behavior. The results of the numerical analysis are compared with the deformation trends identified by means of a recent monitoring campaign.
Abstract
This article presents the analysis of the structure of Mallorca Cathedral taking into account the influence on the structural behavior of auxiliary iron ties used during the construction [...]
Continuum FE models for the analysis of a representative bay in Mallorca Cathedral 