The role of uncertainties in the seismic assessment of masonry churches affected by compound rocking failure mechanism: Macro-block limit analysis investigations

Abstract

Façade overturning is one of the most common failure mechanisms observed in single-nave masonry churches when subjected to seismic action. Several factors, including geometry, masonry patterns, mechanical properties, and loading conditions, influence the force and displacement capacities of these masonry churches. This study aims to assess the impact of various model parameters on the seismic assessment of single-nave masonry churches subjected to the compound rocking failure mechanism by adopting macro-block limit analysis. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) is employed to investigate the influence of geometrical and mechanical parameters under the assumption of complete knowledge of the structure. Furthermore, probabilistic analysis explores how incomplete knowledge may affect the structural assessment of the compound rocking failure mechanism in single-nave masonry churches. The findings of this study highlight the importance of accurate modelling and surveying in evaluating the seismic vulnerability of single-nave masonry churches and can be useful for developing effective seismic risk mitigation strategies.