Brick Patterns Research Articles

Characteristics of Floating Arrays from Aligned to Staggered Patterns

In nature, staggered structures, such as knitted baskets and brick patterns in the structure of buildings, always exhibit the feature of structural reinforcement. Can floating arrays become more dynamically stationary if floating modules of an array are interconnected in a staggered pattern rather than in an aligned pattern? This work examined the dynamic characteristics of staggered floating arrays. A floating array with 12 identical semisubmersible modules in a 3×4 configuration was used to study the effects of staggered structure on the dynamic characteristics of floating systems. A network modeling method considering the geometric effect of connectors was used to establish the analysis model. The numerical analysis was conducted in three main aspects. First, the impact of the staggered deployment of modules on the stiffness feature of the floating structure was investigated. Subsequently, the variation of the stability of floating array with increasing staggered displacement was studied, and the corresponding dynamic mechanism is discussed in detail. Furthermore, the characteristic transition of the floating array evolving from aligned pattern to brick-pattern with different staggered displacements is studied. The numerical results demonstrate that the staggered deployment of modules could increase the floating system’s stiffness along the longitudinal direction and improve the stability of heave and pitch motions near the head wave. This work could provide guidelines for the configuration design of floating islands for optimal ocean space utilization.

Experimental investigation of the effect of brick pattern on the structural response of masonry arches and barrel vaults

In this study, an experimental campaign is carried out on 1:5 in-scale models of arches and barrel vaults built with different brick patterns (radial and vertical), to investigate their structural behaviour under settlement of the supports. Models are built with cement blocks and lime mortar joints. The arch models are tested under opening settlement of one support, whereas vaults are tested under shear settlement of one abutment. The three-dimensional deformations of the structures are acquired by image and video recording, 3D-Digital Image Correlation (DIC), close-range photogrammetry and structured light scanner. The influence of the brick pattern is investigated through comparison of crack patterns, ultimate displacements and failure mechanisms.

Seismic in-plane displacement capacity of masonry barrel vaults: the role of constructive aspects

Historic masonry vaults are one of the most vulnerable elements with respect to the seismic action. Cracks are often detected after post-earthquake surveys. However, it is difficult to directly link the observed damage to causes. Different mechanisms can occur during an earthquake, such as in-plane horizontal shear distortion or longitudinal opening/closing of the abutments. These mechanisms are not necessarily associated to a specific crack pattern, since other factors are involved in the determination of the detected crack status. Among these factors, constructive aspects (such as the brick pattern) play a major role. This study aims at investigating the possible correlation between constructive aspects and the crack pattern in barrel vaults subjected to in-plane shear mechanism. Numerical simulations are carried out on an ideal circular vault with a rectangular base of dimensions 3.1 × 5.3 m, and rise of 1.175 m. Three brick patterns are considered: radial, diagonal and vertical. In order to investigate these aspects, a micro-modelling numerical approach has been adopted. Results are presented in terms of ultimate displacement capacity, collapse mechanisms and crack pattern charts.

Seismic behaviour of cross vaults with different brick pattern

Cross masonry vaults are common structural elements in historical buildings. They are largely diffused in all European countries, including those characterized by higher levels of seismicity. Although they have been constructed for centuries, they represent some of the most vulnerable elements of traditional architecture, especially with reference to horizontal loads. The understanding of their structural behaviour under seismic loading is a crucial aspect for the accurate assessment of the safety of historical buildings. In the present work, the seismic response of cross masonry vaults is analysed through the Finite Element Method (FEM) and static non-linear analyses considering the effect of different brick patterns and boundary conditions. A simplified micro-modelling approach is adopted for the generation of the FEM models and two different brick arrangements are considered, i.e., radial bricks and diagonal bricks, which are the most widespread in European cross vaults. Two different boundary conditions are assumed in order to simulate a vault with and without lateral confinement. Static non-linear analyses are performed by monotonically incrementing a lateral acceleration until collapse. Results are analysed in terms of maximum load factor, stiffness, ductility, crack pattern and damage mechanisms. The analysis of the results shows that not only boundary conditions, but also the brick pattern strongly influences the vault seismic response both in terms of stiffness and ductility as well as in terms of global capacity.

Numerical Investigation of the Influence of Constructive Aspects on the Structural Behaviour of Masonry Cross Vaults

ABSTRACT In this paper, the structural performance of masonry cross vaults is investigated with regard to the most common differential settlements occurring in historical constructions. Numerical parametric models are developed for vaults with different brick patterns and lateral constraints, in the presence/absence of infill. In particular, radial, diagonal and pitched brick patterns are taken into account and opening, shear and vertical settlements are analyzed. Moreover, the behaviour of laterally unconfined vaults is compared with the response of vaults restrained with rigid perimeter walls or with lateral masonry arches. The analyses highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each configuration, providing a scientific validation to some speculations found in historical technical literature on the most widespread use of some brick patterns. The outcomes of this research provide a deep knowledge of masonry vaults behaviour in view of more effective interventions on historical buildings, supplying the practitioners with a crack-pattern chart useful for better interpreting the damage pattern in historical vaults with different brick courses.

A multipurpose mobile manipulator for autonomous firefighting and construction of outdoor structures

This paper describes the implementation of a multipurpose, autonomous, mobile manipulator for building outdoor structures and for firefighting. Such a system finds applications in different industrial automation, manufacturing, and civil-construction scenarios as well as in search-and-rescue operations. This system was developed for the Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge (MBZIRC) 2020, showcasing once again the role of major scientific competitions in advancing the state of the art and exploring solutions to open problems. The paper presents in detail the hardware and software architectures of the developed mobile manipulator, while proposing methods for: a) Building outdoor structures consisting of heterogeneous brick patterns, and b) Entering buildings to locate and extinguish fires. Solutions were successfully deployed in the near-realistic arenas of the MBZIRC 2020 competition and resulted in the first-place award for the firefighting scenario.

An autonomous mobile manipulator to build outdoor structures consisting of heterogeneous brick patterns

This paper describes the implementation of an autonomous mobile manipulator to build outdoor structures consisting of heterogeneous brick patterns, finding applications in different industrial automation, manufacturing and civil construction scenarios. This system was developed for the Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge (MBZIRC) 2020, to demonstrate the novel real-world application of constructing structures using teams of robots, showcasing once again the role of major scientific competitions in advancing the state of the art towards exploring solutions to open problems. The paper presents in detail the hardware and software architectures of the developed mobile manipulator, integrating different research results and developments into a functional complex robot system, while proposing methods to detect, approach and manipulate differently sized/colored bricks to build a wall of predefined pattern given to the robot just before the building task starts.Article HighlightsFull system description of an autonomous mobile manipulator for construction tasks tested in a realistic settingAlgorithms for detection, localization, picking and placement of heterogeneous building blocks to form large structuresVersatile service robot capable of smooth adaptation to other functions developed through scientific robot competitions

Effects of Brick Pattern on the Static Behavior of Masonry Vaults

ABSTRACT The design of brick masonry vaults has frequently been one of the main topics of historical construction handbooks, where also the orientation of the blocks was an examined issue. However, the influence of brick-texture has not yet been thoroughly investigated computationally. In the present paper the static behavior of masonry vaults of different shapes (barrel, pavilion, and cross vaults), was studied by analyzing and integrating two points of view: one historical and the other computational. First, the instructions provided by ancient documents were described. Then, a Non-Smooth Contact Dynamics Software was used to model vaults with different brick patterns suggested in the past. The vaults were studied with self-weight to observe load descent. Then, a concentrated force was added up to collapse. The analyses show how the load descent and load-bearing capacity are influenced by the brick pattern. Finally, the results of the various analyses were compared with the insights of the past.

The Structural Effects of Micro-Geometry on Masonry Vaults

Masonry vaults are able to withstand their dead load and external forces thanks to their curved surface, therefore geometry plays a major role in their structural behaviour. Besides the well-known effects of the macro-geometry (overall shape and dimensions), micro-geometry (details of the masonry apparatus) is also expected to play a key role. The study seeks to determine the advantages (constructional and structural) that a specific masonry apparatus offered for simple forms like barrel vaults and more complex forms like cross vaults. It is carried out, firstly, through a critical review of the European technical literature concerning vault construction with particular focus on brick laying techniques; then, numerical approach is adopted to scientifically investigate the role of micro-geometry on the static behaviour of barrel and cross vaults subjected to self-weight. Comparison of results allows observing different structural behaviour (displacement field, elastic stiffness, reaction forces) for different brick patterns and provides a scientific validation to some speculations found in historical technical literature.

MODEL EKSPERIMENTAL LIMPASAN PERMUKAAN PADA PERKERASAN PAVING BLOCK DENGAN PENAMBAHAN RUMPUT ANTAR PAVING

Pemanfaat perkerasan semakin meningkat sebagai dampak dari berkembangnya perkotaan. Perkerasan permukaan lahan sangat berpengaruh pada meningkatnya limpasan permukaan. Limpasan permukaan yang terjadi akan mengakibatkan terjadinya banjir dan genangan jika sistem drainasenya tidak baik. Penggunaan perkerasan yang mampu mengurangi limpasan sangat diperluka, untuk mengurangi terjadinya banjir. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh permukaan lahan terhadap nilai koefisien limpasan permukaan (C). Material permukaan yang digunakan yaitu berupa paving block dengan penambahan rumput antar paving block. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan alat rainfall simulator. Penelitian ini menggunakan paving block berbentuk bata ukuran 20 x 10 x 8 cm dengan variasi pola pemasangan susun bata dan anyaman tikar yang dikombinasikan dengan rumput gajah mini dengan perbandingan campuran 75% : 25%. Pengukuran yang dilakukan yaitu pengukuran intensitas hujan, volume limpasan, dan koefisien limpasan permukaan (C). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penambahan rumput gajah mini memberikan pengaruh terhadap nilai koefisien limpasan permukaan. Pada paving block tanpa penambahn rumput gajah mini memiliki nilai koefisien yang lebih besar. Koefisien limpasan yang dihasilkan diantaranya : tanah nilai koefisien limpasannya yaitu berkisar 0.39 - 0.44, paving block susun bata koefisien limpasannya berkisar 0.42 - 0.46 , paving block anyam tikar berkisar 0.41- 0.45, paving block pola susun bata dengan penambahan rumput gajah mini koefisien limpasan berkisar 0.40 - 0.45, dan paving block pola anyaman tikar dengan penambahan rumput gajah mini koefisien limpasan berkisar 0.36 - 0.41.
 

Depth texture synthesis for high-resolution reconstruction of large scenes

Large scenes such as building facades and other architectural constructions often contain repeating elements such as identical windows and brick patterns. In this paper, we present a novel approach that improves the resolution and geometry of 3D meshes of large scenes with such repeating elements. By leveraging structure from motion reconstruction and an off-the-shelf depth sensor, our approach captures a small sample of the scene in high resolution and automatically extends that information to similar regions of the scene. Using RGB and SfM depth information as a guide and simple geometric primitives as canvas, our approach extends the high-resolution mesh by exploiting powerful, image-based texture synthesis approaches. The final results improve on standard SfM reconstruction with higher detail. Our approach benefits from reduced manual labor as opposed to full RGBD reconstruction, and can be done much more cheaply than with LiDAR-based solutions.

Manipulating waves with LEGO® bricks: A versatile experimental platform for metamaterial architectures

In this letter, we discuss a versatile, fully reconfigurable experimental platform for the investigation of phononic phenomena in metamaterial architectures. The approach revolves around the use of 3D laser vibrometry to reconstruct global and local wavefield features in specimens obtained through simple arrangements of LEGO® bricks on a thin baseplate. The agility by which it is possible to reconfigure the brick patterns into a nearly endless spectrum of topologies makes this an effective approach for rapid experimental proof of concept, as well as a powerful didactic tool, in the arena of phononic crystals and metamaterials engineering. We use our platform to provide a compelling visual illustration of important spatial wave manipulation effects (waveguiding and seismic isolation), and to elucidate fundamental dichotomies between Bragg-based and locally resonant bandgap mechanisms.

Determination of Failure Modes in Brick Walls Using Cohesive Elements Approach

The heterogeneous FEM models of brick walls are analyzed in order to estimate possibility to predict proper failure mechanisms for different biaxial stress modes. The micro-modeling of masonry structures with the application of cohesive elements to describe the mortar joint zone is applied. For the boundary value problems modeling different brick patterns the typical biaxial tests are simulated. In one case (the most typical pattern) the comparison of numerical test solutions with laboratory experiment results on masonry panels in biaxial stress states made by Page is done. The qualitative comparison between numerical and real-life experiments shows the possibilities of application of Abaqus FEA build-in constitutive material models in evaluating the behavior of masonry under biaxial stresses. Such models properly verified can be treated as virtual experimental tests for determination of parameters for macroscopic continuum elasto-plastic models.

Confinement of Masonry Columns with PBO FRCM Composites

The overarching goal of this work is to provide a fundamental understanding of the behavior of solid brick masonry columns confined with fiber reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composites. FRCM is a newly-developed type of composite material comprised of a cementitious inorganic matrix (binder) and embedded fibers that are usually bundled to improve the bond between the matrix and the fibers. Compression tests were carried out to investigate the influence of the FRCM confinement and the brick patterns on the load-carrying capacity of the confined columns. Compression tests were conducted on brick masonry columns with different brick configurations. Digital image correlation measurements on the surface of the composite and on the surface of the brick for the control specimens were attempted in order to understand the role of the mortar joints and the arch effect across the section of the columns due to the confinement. The experimental results indicate that FRCM composites can effectively increase the load-carrying capacity of brick masonry columns and the failure mode could be different from the one observed for masonry columns confined with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites.

Numerical Models To Predict The CreepBehaviour Of Brickwork

The numerical modelling of the time evolution of stresses and strains in brickwork under sustained loads is dealt with, within the framework of linear viscoelasticity. Finite element analyses were carried out, using three different masonry models: a simplified 2D layered model, and two 3D models (one for header bond masonry; one for Flemish bond masonry). The creep behaviour of the component materials (bricks and mortar) was defined according to experimental data available in the literature. These results were best fitted by Prony series, and the obtained creep laws were employed to carry out FE analyses of the masonry walls with different textures. Owing to the different mechanical response of the components to sustained loads, the stress and strain distribution in the wall changes in time and differs from that at the beginning of the loading process. The different behaviour of the two considered brick patterns is pointed out. The possibility of applying the simplified layered model instead of refined 3D models to predict the time evolution of stresses and strains is discussed.

The Vaults of St. John the Theologian at Ephesos

E ver since the first excavation of the remains of the church of St. John the Theologian on the hill of Ayasoluk, the reconstruction of the vaulted, sixth-century phase of the monument has been a major challenge in the field of early Byzantine architecture. This is partly due to the historic significance of the building. According to the contemporary account of Procopius, the church, rebuilt and enlarged under the auspices of Justinian, constituted the Ephesian counterpart to the Constantinopolitan church of the Holy Apostles.1 It was later to become the heart of medieval Ephesos and one of the most important pilgrimage churches in Asia Minor.2 Besides its historical interest, the reconstruction of St. John’s has a great significance for the study of early Byzantine vaulting technology. Indeed, reconstruction offers the only opportunity to recapture the form of the enormous brick vaults of the church, which are now lost. These sophisticated vaults, which seem to have survived in an earthquake-prone area for more than eight centuries, constitute a remarkable feat of structural engineering.3 They must have been a highly innovative structure, erected at a time when most churches were timber-roofed. The task of accurate and reasoned reconstruction through the scrutiny of archaeological evidence is more demanding than it may initially appear, in spite of the systematic exploration of the monument since its discovery in 1921. Eight decades of excavation and survey have made the ground plan of the aisled cruciform church as well as the footprint of its atrium, baptistery and skeuophylakion mostly clear (Figure 1).4 Some parts have even become the object of full-scale physical reconstruction (Figure 2). In addition to this, Hans Hormann, Mustafa Buyukkolanci, and Andreas Thiel have shed light on the building phases that preceded Justinian’s vaulted church.5 Still, in spite …

The Anatomy and Demise of Decorative Brickwork on Artisans' Housing in Birmingham

Birmingham, has possibly the best examples in the UK of decorative artisans' terraced housing, in particular the variety and detail of brickwork. The latter part of the nineteenth century and first decade of the twentieth century saw a rapid expansion of artisans’ housing in the suburbs as the city grew in prosperity. Within this era, artisans' housing was transformed from insanitary squalor within the city to buildings of beauty in the suburbs. This paper focuses on Handsworth where there is a rich variety of ornamentation. The story starts during the early stages of the industrial revolution and develops during the 1870s as social awareness grew and became reflected in both public architecture and the common artisan's house. The streets became an exhibition of flamboyant ornamentation with an unprecedented variety of decorative elements in their façades, in particular brick patterns and motifs. Having survived the bombs of the 1940s and the bulldozers of the 1960s, the decorative brickwork now faces a major threat from paint and render.

Nano/micro structure fabrication of metal surfaces using the combination of nano plastic forming, coating and roller imprinting processes

The fabrication technique using the combination of nano plastic forming, coating and roller imprinting processes to transfer nano/micro patterns onto the surface of metallic materials is developed. In this process, nano plastic forming (NPF) of pure aluminum (Al 99%) using a diamond tool is combined with a coating technique to produce a nickel die. The nickel die is then used for the double plate roller imprinting process to transfer the pattern onto the surface of metallic material. Experimental works with 0.1 N to 1.0 N indentation load variations and 2.5 µm to 7.5 µm pitch variations using a knife edge diamond tool are conducted to study the feasibility of this technique. Comparisons between the master mold, nickel die and rolling result in terms of geometries show good agreement, thus validating the proposed approach for high throughput, low cost, low emission and flexible fabrication technique. The capability of the proposed method is demonstrated in the fabrication of cross, net and brick patterns.

Aesthetic experience of proactive interaction with cultural art

'Interactive brick sculpture' is developed to provide participants with varied participatory and perceptual experiences. It offers an attractive and pleasurable experience to refresh the value of traditional culture in the digital era. This project creates an interactive environment with ambiance interface of proactive computing. The projected brick images are freely manipulated by participants' gestures and movements. Via customised involvement, it arouses the interest in people of any age to experience traditional crafts in a pleasurable and natural environment. 'Interactive brick sculpture' also persuades participants' collaborative relationship and engages them to create various brick patterns together through their physical interaction with the artwork. Furthermore, the elements of aesthetic interaction and pleasure for the aesthetic experience are discussed in this study.

Successful Treatment of Hallucinations Associated With Sensory Impairment Using Gabapentin

Successful Treatment of Hallucinations Associated With Sensory Impairment Using Gabapentin