Various numerical modeling procedures of XIX-century masonry building

Abstract

The 2020 Croatian earthquake marked a new phase in the assessment of existing buildings throughout the region and especially in the ex-Yugoslav countries, specifically in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This was the first time that a database of 700 buildings in Sarajevo was conducted with the aim to perform a rapid seismic vulnerability assessment. Several buildings were identified, as typical representatives of a certain period, and a detailed numerical assessment was performed. The study systematically investigated the seismic response of a typical masonry building from the Austro-Hungarian era in Sarajevo in the modeling scenarios with diverse horizontal diaphragm typologies. Conventional structures with inferior workmanship and substandard materials in horizontal diaphragms exhibited reduced seismic performance. It was established that the diaphragm’s ability to enhance the seismic behavior of such buildings is dependent upon its stiffness and its connection mechanism to load-bearing walls. Comparative analysis of models, particularly Total Strain Crack Models (TSCMs) and the Engineering Material Model (EMM), clarified distinct behaviors in terms of load capacity and ductility. The investigation considers the building’s resistance to seismic forces in both X and Y directions and explores damage patterns, failure modes, and crack distributions. The type of slab connection emerged as a crucial factor, significantly influencing stiffness, capacity, and ductility. These insights offer valuable implications for retrofitting strategies, enabling precise identification of diaphragm components for targeted strengthening and, consequently, enhancing a structure’s seismic resilience. A comprehensive site investigation and accurate determination of connection types were underscored as crucial prerequisites for effective building modeling, essential for earthquake impact assessment, and informed retrofitting decisions.