Abstract
All around the world, non-engineered masonry constructions (NECs) typically have high vulnerability to seismic ground motion, resulting in heavy damage and severe casualties after earthquakes. Even though a number of computational strategies have been developed for seismic analysis of unreinforced masonry structures, a few studies have focussed on NECs located in developing countries. In this paper, different modelling options for finite element analysis of non-engineered masonry buildings are investigated. The goal of the study was to identify the modelling option with the best trade-off between computational burden and accuracy of results, in view of seismic risk assessment of NECs at regional scale. Based on the experimental behaviour of a single-storey structure representative of Indian non-engineered masonry buildings, the output of seismic response analysis of refined 3D models in ANSYS was compared to that of a simplified model based on 2D, nonlinear, layered shell elements in SAP2000. The numerical-experimental comparison was carried out under incremental static lateral loading, whereas nonlinear time history analysis was performed to investigate the dynamic performance of the case-study structure. Analysis results show that the simplified model can be a computationally efficient modelling option for both nonlinear static and dynamic analyses, particularly in case of force-based approaches for design and assessment of base isolation systems aimed at the large-scale seismic vulnerability mitigation of NECs.
Highlights
Despite the developments in structural engineering and construction industry, a large number of non-engineered constructions (NECs) still exists in many parts of the world
This paper aims at identifying a set of suitable macro-modelling approaches for seismic assessment of NECs using the commercial packages ANSYS (APDL 2015) and SAP2000 (Computers and Structures 2020)
Even if maximum inter-storey drift values are consistent with experimental capacity, higher damping values would underestimate the plastic demand in SAP2000, and this must be properly taken into account in case large plastic deformations are expected
Summary
Despite the developments in structural engineering and construction industry, a large number of non-engineered constructions (NECs) still exists in many parts of the world These buildings are mostly constructed with locally available materials such as stones, bricks or adobe, including monuments and heritage buildings in high-seismicity regions. Examples of NECs are load-bearing masonry wall buildings, stud-wall and brick-nogged timber constructions, and composite constructions consisting of load-bearing masonry columns/walls in combination with tie-columns and tie-beams made of reinforced concrete (RC), steel or wood. These buildings are constructed based on the experience and traditional knowledge of local masons without any intervention by qualified architects and engineers, resulting in high vulnerability to earthquakes. People in many developing countries still prefer living in such constructions due to their low cost, ease of construction, and cultural connections to local traditions
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
