Abstract
The paper presents a numerical study for the seismic assessment of the St James Church in Christchurch, New Zealand affected by the recent 2011 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks. The structural behavior of the Church has been evaluated using the finite element modelling technique, in which the nonlinear behavior of masonry has been taken into account by proper constitutive assumptions. Two numerical models were constructed, one incorporating the existing structural damage and the other considering the intact structure. The validation of the numerical models was achieved by the calibration of the damaged model according to dynamic identification tests carried out in situ after the earthquake. Non-linear pushover analyses were carried out on both principal directions demonstrating that, as a result of the seismic action, the Church can no longer be considered safe. Pushover analysis results of the undamaged model show reasonable agreement with the visual inspection performed in situ, which further validates the model used. Finally, limit analysis us-ing macro-block analysis was also carried out to validate the main local collapse mechanisms of the Church.
Highlights
It is well known from past and recent earthquakes that traditional masonry buildings, if inadequately tied, do not respond well to strong dynamic demands such as earthquakes
LIMIT ANALYSIS In existing masonry buildings local collapses often occur in case of an earthquake, generally due to loss of equilibrium of masonry parts, rather than a global failure mode associated with lack of integrity of the structure
It is noted that dynamic identification of the damaged church was carried out and this allowed calibration of a finite element model with extensive damage, increasing the reliability of the subsequent analysis
Summary
It is well known from past and recent earthquakes that traditional masonry buildings, if inadequately tied, do not respond well to strong dynamic demands such as earthquakes These natural catastrophes have always represented the main cause of damage and loss of cultural heritage [1], stressing the need of safety evaluation of old buildings in seismic zones. Afterwards, numerical modelling is performed to simulate and assess the seismic behavior of the structure and, at last, the safety evaluation is made and the design of the remedial measures, if required, is carried out. The paper presents the results of the seismic assessment of the Church, by means of two numerical models, being one damaged and the other one undamaged. The double validation of the model by dynamic identification and damage pattern increases the reliability of the conclusions and of the final safety assessment of the damaged church
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
