Numerical Modelling and Seismic Analysis of Dutch Masonry Structural Components and Buildings

Abstract eng:
In recent years induced seismicity in the Netherlands considerably increased. This implied the need for a comprehensive study to assess the seismic vulnerability of the built environment exposed to this phenomenon. Currently, very limited data is available on the seismic response of construction typologies specific to Dutch practice. Moreover, most of these buildings are masonry structures and were not conceived to resist considerable lateral forces. Indeed, they were designed to withstand gravity and wind loads only. Most likely the design for wind loads could be not enough to provide for adequate lateral resistance and ductility against potential seismic loads. In this framework, this paper presents part of the results of a numerical study that is currently in progress, aimed at the seismic assessment of most common Dutch buildings typologies. The study is based on an extensive experimental campaign at components and full-scale levels. The experimental tests are reproduced by nonlinear finite element analysis, validated and calibrated against data available from the experimental testing campaign. Some limitations of the application of an existing total strain based constitutive model under lateral cyclic loading are shown. Consequently, a recently developed new constitutive model is introduced and its potentials in terms of numerical stability and capability to capture different failure modes are presented with reference to some tests on components and full-scale building specimen. These studies are of fundamental importance for the assessment of the seismic vulnerability of the build environment through the definition of fragility curves and consequently to define potential strengthening measures.

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