Abstract
A stress analysis is performed herein on the southeast wall of the tower in the medieval fortress Montecchio, which is situated in Tuscany, Italy. The analysis is performed by the finite-element method, and the effects of the stresses caused by removing two large cracks as well as a window are studied. Stress states due to gravitational and wind loads at five significant points in the tower are plotted using Mohr's circle and compared to a predicted failure envelope modeled by the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion. Results of the analysis show that while the smaller crack and the window do not appear to require immediate attention, it is essential that the larger crack be repaired in order for the stresses in the tower to be reduced to a level that is acceptable by the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion. Without any repairs, further deterioration of building materials in the tower will lead to failure.
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 callMore From: Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Disclaimer: 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.
