Permanent Loads Research Articles

Construction of a deep basement with a single-level prop – prop forces and wall movements

This paper describes the construction of a deep basement in central London. The construction sequence for the basement was a combination of top-down and blue-sky excavation to enable phased delivery of the project. Temporary single-level props enabled blue-sky construction by managing ground movements. Ground movements associated with the basement construction and impact on third-party assets were monitored to validate the design using three-dimensional targets and inclinometers. The ground movements were predicted at each stage of construction using simple models with more complex three-dimensional soil–structure finite-element analysis used when examining the whole basement behaviour under the temporary and permanent loads. Temporary prop loads, and thermal loads on props were also monitored during the bulk digging. The small strain constitutive models for London Clay was shown to closely predict the observed movements.

Strains in sprayed concrete tunnel linings at Heathrow Terminal 4 and back-calculation of stress

This paper describes the installation and interpretation of strain gauges embedded in the sprayed concrete lining of the concourse tunnel at Heathrow Terminal 4 station, with readings taken over nearly 20 years. The rate of flow method was used to back-calculate stresses from the measured strains, which were then compared to stresses obtained from pressure cells at the same locations. The interpretation of the pressure cell data is described in Jones & Clayton (2021) and the pressure cell results were presented in Jones et al. (2023). The resulting 20-year history of stress and strain gives precious insights into the short- and long-term behaviour of a sprayed concrete lining. An increase of compressive strain up to 3 years followed by a slight decrease over the subsequent 15-16 years has been revealed. It is hypothesised that this is due to radial groundwater flow through the primary lining followed by the gradual application of hydrostatic water pressure to the waterproof membrane and secondary lining. The sprayed concrete primary lining was not designed for permanent loads but nevertheless appears to be supporting all of the effective stress, whereas the secondary lining is not supporting any ground loads but may be loaded by groundwater pressure.

Design and optimization analysis of pylon open lower corbel

This study, centered around the engineering context of the Wuxue Yangtze River Bridge, addresses the challenge of significant temperature-induced secondary internal forces in the short lower tower column. A novel open lower corbel tower scheme is proposed as a solution. Firstly, comprehensive finite element models are established for both the open lower corbel pylon scheme and the traditional lower continuous beam pylon scheme. These models are employed for finite element analysis to derive bending moments and displacements of the bridge pylon under various loads, including permanent, vehicle, temperature, and wind loads. Subsequently, considering internal force distribution and stiffness, a comparative assessment is made between the open lower corbel cable pylon scheme and the traditional lower continuous beam cable pylon scheme. The findings reveal that the open corbel structure bridge pylon exhibits lower transverse bending moment values under the influence of permanent load, vehicle load, temperature load, and wind load. This reduction is advantageous for mitigating the issue of significant temperature-induced secondary internal forces in the bridge pylon. Additionally, the transverse bridge stiffness of the open lower corbel cable pylon scheme is found to be on par with that of the lower continuous beam cable pylon scheme. Moreover, topology optimization of the original corbel design is accomplished using the relative density method. The computational results demonstrate that the corbel’s stress and deformation under vertical loads meet code requirements. These research findings offer valuable insights for the design and construction of similar projects.

OPTIMIZATION OF PURLINS CROSS-SECTION EXPOSED TO FIRE

<p>In practice, consideration of fire protection for structural elements mainly occurs after the adopted dimensions of sections. However, this procedure leads to not the most cost-effective solution in general. To find the optimal solution, it is necessary to apply one of the optimization methods. The presented optimization of purlins RHS cross-section is performed with nonlinear programming available in widely used program Excel. The objective function is defined as producing the purlin at a minimal price, considering the price of steel, work, and fire-resistant paint. Limits are introduced to ensure the cross-section satisfies the ultimate limit state for permanent and transient load situations, as well as in case of fire. Besides the ultimate limit states, the limits are defined for serviceability limit states and for cross-sectional geometry. Optimization analysis for different ISO 834 fire durations is followed by a result comparison. It provides an overview of cross-sectional parameters that most influence the bearing capacity in case of fire. It is concluded that by increasing the exposure time to fire, the optimal solution becomes a section with a smaller perimeter, larger surface area, and a thicker layer of fire-resistant coating.</p>

Time-dependent design of hyperelastic bonded joints in structural glass

For glass constructions with a high degree of transparency, facade systems with structural sealant glazing are increasingly being used. However, the use of bonded joints is also suitable for many other applications in glass construction. Even today, the design of bonded joints is still based on the outdated global safety concept according to ETAG 002. Although the safety and predictability of hyperelastic silicone bonds have been continuously shown by research activities during recent years, high levels of safety are still required in the design, which is mainly due to the expected degradation of the adhesive. From a design perspective, it is necessary to consider the time dependency. On the one hand, the bonded joint must be able to withstand variable loads of different strain rates at any time during its service life, taking degradation into account. On the other hand, if the bonded joint is also under a permanent load due to dead load of the glazing, it must also be ensured that the failure time would only be attained at the end of the component's service life. This article presents a fully probabilistic method that considers the degradation of the adhesive as well as various statistical influencing quantities (such as wind effects, manufacturing tolerances or material scattering) and determines a modification coefficient kmod\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${k}_{mod}$$\\end{document} for silicone adhesives under variable loads by calibrating to specified reliability indices. In addition, partial safety factors are determined in accordance with Eurocode 0, which are investigated as part of a sensitivity analysis.

Position sensorless extended and unscented Kalman filters with permanent magnet flux linkage and load torque estimation for surface-mounted PMSM

In this paper, novel position sensorless state estimators with improved robustness to permanent magnet (PM) flux linkage variations in permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) are presented. Unlike state estimators using conventional infinite inertia or electromechanical models, the estimators presented here can also estimate the PM flux linkage, so they are not sensitive to its uncertainty. For each models used for state estimation, a detailed observability study is presented. Due to the nonlinear models, extended and unscented Kalman filter algorithms are used for the implementation. To compare the sensitivity of conventional and proposed state estimators to uncertainty in electrical parameters, numerical simulations are carried out. In addition, the computational burden of the estimators is compared by real-time execution.

An mass ratio of permanent loads to variable loads of reinforced concrete buildings

ABSTRACT Environmental and resource crises necessitate sustainable development, yet construction lags in material conservation and carbon mitigation. Extensive use of reinforced concrete results in excessive permanent loads and larger building self-weight, elevating material use and energy consumption. A concept of mass ratio of permanent loads and variable loads ( R m ) is established for reinforced concrete buildings, and its reduction measures are outlined. Through statistical and regression analysis of 60 residential and 45 public buildings, R m have been validated as an indicator of structural value and design rationality, and its importance for material conservation and cost-effectiveness is underscored. Results shows that most reinforced concrete residential buildings have R m above 10, public buildings exceeding 7, indicating excessive structural self-weight. It requires lowering R m in structural and material innovations and optimized engineering design, to enhance material conservation. The innovation of this paper lies in three aspects: firstly, the concept modeling of R m addresses the quantitative assessment criteria in areas such as architectural materials and engineering design; secondly, the calculation of R m directly utilizes raw data from engineering design, providing a scientific and feasible approach for statistical analysis; thirdly, the inherent deficiencies in reinforced concrete buildings are intuitively indicated from the perspective of R m .

Structural design of a smart under‐deck cable‐stayed prestressed concrete viaduct: Theoretical basis and application to the Osormort viaduct

AbstractUnder‐deck cable‐stayed systems have been extensively used in bridges to optimize the internal stress distribution, enhancing their structural performance. Although these systems provide highly contribute to counteract permanent loads, their efficiency to withstand live loads is reduced, thereby limiting opportunities for material savings. This effect is particularly relevant in concrete viaducts, where the relative stiffness of the deck with respect to the tendons is very high. This limitation can be overcome by using a smart under‐deck cable‐stayed system, which gradually modifies the tension in the stays as the live load increases, improving its performance. The smart behavior is achieved through the use of a linear actuator that replaces the midspan strut of a conventional under‐deck cable‐stayed bridge. This article starts by presenting the theoretical considerations on the structural design of these innovative systems. Then, the application of this technology to multi‐span prestressed concrete bridges is evaluated using a numerical analysis. Specifically, the Osormort viaduct has been selected as a reference bridge for comparison purposes. This work quantifies the performance of the smart systems from different perspectives, including material quantities, CO2 emissions, and cost, for different portions of the live load compensated by the smart system. The comparisons reveal that the implementation of a smart system can optimize material quantity of the deck (concrete volume and internal prestressing), resulting in cost reductions of up to 15% and carbon emissions reductions of up to 9% compared to a conventional solution. In summary, this investigation provides a further confirmation of the potential of smart cable‐stayed under‐deck systems to significantly improve the structural performance of bridges while reducing material usage and costs.

Modeling dynamic power generation from ocean waves in the Kingdom of Tonga: A comprehensive analysis using integrated mechanical and electrical framework

Globally, ocean wave energy can significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the electricity generation sector. Wave energy converters (WECs) could be installed in the Kingdom of Tonga, which is surrounded by ocean, where the average wave energy flux is greater than 7 kW/m. There is a lack of feasibility studies in this area due to the unavailability of measured data on wave parameters and properties; hence, the potential of WEC is yet to be discovered or exploited. This study proposes an integrated mechanical and electrical modeling framework to analyze the impact of wave characteristics on dynamic power generation in three main islands of Tonga, including ‘Eua, Tongatapu, and Niuafo’ou. The mechanical simulation involves using a 2D Fourier wave model to identify the important factors that affect the power potential of ocean waves, such as wave height and period. The wave model is linked to a comprehensive electrical simulation model developed in Matlab Simulink, which includes a permanent magnet linear synchronous generator (PMLSG), rectifier, buck converter, inverter, and load to estimate the electrical power potential per 1 m2 of ocean area. According to the findings, in ‘Eua, the maximum annual generation intensity output is 90.45 kWh/m2, whereas in Niuafo'ou, the minimum is 48.5 kWh/m2. Applying this to a region (12.57 m2) where a WEC has been deployed in Australia, the highest yearly electricity generation in ‘Eua ranges between 926.41 and 1136.96 kWh/y, but in Tongatapu and Niuafo'ou, it ranges between around 610 and 899 kWh/y.

Clinical biomechanics of the spine in three unsolved problems. A brief analytical review

Chronic pathology of the spine, especially its forms, such as degenerative disc disease (DDD), is one of the most common in the human population and a marker for a person. Even though this pathology lacks the burden of mortality, its existence and consequences worsen the quality of life. Hypotheses of the high prevalence of DDD often appeal to a person's upright gait and the function of the spine as a movable vertical support, which means a permanent significant axial load of the intervertebral discs (IVDs). Therefore, finding out the magnitude of such a load, its dependence on the body's position in space, and types of motor activity is an essential practical task of the biomechanics of the spine as a separate interdisciplinary direction of biomedical research. Despite all the efforts and significant activity during the 70s and 80s of the last century, the central questions of clinical biomechanics of the spine still need to be explored. It is visible from the state of development of three "legendary" problems ‒ elucidation of intradiscal pressure against the background of usual types of physical activity, the role of sitting in the promotion of DDD of the lumbar region, and determination of the role of intra-abdominal pressure in reducing the axial load of this region of the spine. For example, the results of the investigations can state that assessment of intradiscal pressure against the background of human behavioral activity has so far been the focus of a disproportionately small number of works, which, due to the weakness of the accompanying visualization and the technical unreliability of the sensors did not obtain a sufficient empirical base for statistically significant conclusions. Therefore, the urgent task of the future is developing and using a more accurate, reliable, miniature, and durable intradiscal pressure monitoring technique, which would make it possible to evaluate this parameter on large samples of volunteers with conditionally intact IVD and against the background of pathology. In this regard, the assumptions about the role of sitting in the development of DDD of the lumbar spine remain unverified.Similarly, the research on the phenomenon of intra-abdominal pressure needs to determine under what conditions and mechanisms this factor can affect the magnitude of the axial load on the lumbar spine. Also, constructing more insightful models of the biomechanics of the spine is only possible with expanding ideas about the composition, vascularization, and innervation of the IVD, biology, and pathology of IVD cells. The practical outcome of all these studies is delineation of the most dangerous types of motor activity in the promotion of DDD, which will bring us closer to understanding the drivers of DDD and thus improving the means of preventing and treating this ubiquitous pathology.

Enhancement Seismic Response of a Bored Tunnel Using Isolation for the Challenge of a Faulted Rock Crossing

The tunnel boring method (TBM) is a widely used and effective tunneling technology in various rock mass quality circumstances. A “faulted rock mass” can range from a highly fractured rock mass to a sheared weak rock mass, making the ground conditions challenging for tunneling, especially for TBMs. “Faulted rock” significantly affects hard rock TBMs, primarily due to the TBM’s high geological risk and poor flexibility. TBMs require careful planning and preparation, starting with preliminary assessments. This study investigates the impact of establishing an isolation material between a circular tunnel and the adjacent faulting rock on seismic response. The two parts of the parametric analysis for the isolation material utilized in the model look at how changes in the mechanical characteristics of the material, such as the shear modulus of the rock and the fault, affect the stresses created in the tunnel. The second section examines how changes in the isolation width concerning the fault width affect the stresses and displacements produced in the tunnel. Additionally, the effectiveness of isolating the tunnel during sudden changes in the characteristics of the rock was investigated under seismic loading perpendicular to the tunnel and parallel to the tunnel. The finite element approach was utilized to model the TBM tunnel and the neighboring rock with a fault or sudden change in the rock using Midas/GTS-NX, simulating the interactions between the rock and the tunnel. Time-history analysis using the El Centro earthquake was conducted to calculate the stresses in the tunnels during seismic events. Peak ground accelerations between 0.10 g and 0.30 g were utilized for excitation. A time step of 0.02 s and a length of 10 s for the seismic event were used in the analysis, with traditional grout pea gravel vs. the isolation layer. Comparisons were made between the absolute stresses (the greatest possible values) in the normal tunnel section (Sxx) and those induced in the tunnel with traditional grout and with isolation. Furthermore, the study of vertical displacement was taken into consideration. The seismic isolation method is highly effective in improving the seismic safety of bored tunnels. The results show that the significant values of the ratio between the shear modulus of isolation and the surrounding soil should be between 0.2% and 0.4%. Where parts of the tunnel run through a fault, the effective length of isolation should be between one and two times the fault width. The dynamic behavior of the tunnel with isolation is better than that with traditional grout. Generally, when isolation is used for any length, it reduces the stresses at the area of sudden change. Consequently, engineering assessments from both structural and geotechnical engineering viewpoints are now required for these unique constructions. An underground structure’s safety should be evaluated by the designer to ensure that it can sustain various applied loads, taking into account seismic loads in addition to construction and permanent static loads. Tunnels may be especially vulnerable in areas where the composition of the soil or rock varies.

Seismic Isolation Materials for Bored Rock Tunnels: A Parametric Analysis

Most recent tunnel designs rely on more thorough analyses of the intricate rock interactions. The three principal techniques for excavating rock tunneling are drill-and-blast for complete or partial cross-sections, TBM only for circular cross-sections with full faces, and road header for small portions. Tunnel-boring machines (TBM) are being utilized to excavate an increasing number of tunnels. Newer studies have demonstrated that subterranean structures such as tunnels produce a variety of consequences during and after ground shaking, challenging the long-held belief that they are among the most earthquake-resistant structures. Consequently, engineering assessment has become crucial for these unique structures from both the geotechnical and structural engineering standpoints. The designer should evaluate the underground structure’s safety to ensure it can sustain various applied loads, considering both seismic loads and temporary and permanent static loads. This paper investigates how adding elastic, soft material between a circular tunnel and the surrounding rock affects seismic response. To conduct the study, Midas/GTS-NX was used to model the TBM tunnel and the nearby rock using the finite element (F.E.) method to simulate the soil–tunnel interactions. A time–history analysis of the El Centro (1940) earthquake was used to calculated the stresses accumulated in the tunnels during seismic episodes. Peak ground accelerations of 0.10–0.30 g, relative to the tunnel axis, were used for excitation. The analysis utilized a time step of 0.02 s, and the duration of the seismic event was set at 10 s. Numerical models were developed to represent tunnels passing through rock, with the traditional grout pea gravel vs. isolation layer. A parametric study determined how isolation material characteristics like shear modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and unit weight affect tunnel-induced stresses. In the meantime, this paper details the effects of various seismic isolation materials, such as geofoam, foam concrete, and silicon-based isolation material, to improve protection against seismic shaking. The analysis’s findings are discussed, and how seismic isolation affects these important structures’ performance and safety requirements is explained.

Investigating the Influence of the Improved Multibody Rope Approach on the Structural Behavior of Dakar Mosque Gridshell Structure

Gridshell structures are characterized by an impressive strength-to-weight ratio, allowing their application in large-span roofing structures. However, their complex construction process and maintenance limited their widespread application. In recent years, the development of parametric and computational design tools has rekindled interest in this type of structure. Among these techniques, the Multibody Rope Approach (MRA) is a form-finding method based on the dynamic equilibrium of a system of masses (nodes) connected by ropes, which allows optimizing the structural shape starting from the dual geometry of the funicular network. To optimize the construction process, an improved version of the MRA, i-MRA, has been recently developed by the authors with the goal of uniforming the size of the structural components. To investigate the impact of the i-MRA method on the structural behavior of gridshell structures, the practical case of the design of a mosque roof is here analyzed. The comparison is carried out in terms of structural performance with respect to permanent and equivalent quasi-static loads. In addition, free-vibration natural-frequency shift is obtained by performing linear modal analysis. Finally, the global behavior with respect to buckling and elastic instability is assessed solving the relevant eigenvalue problem. The results demonstrate that for the roofing of the Dakar mosque, the structural configuration obtained through i-MRA is superior in terms of both construction efficiency and structural performance. The achieved shape exhibits a more uniform distribution of stresses induced by the applied loads together with very limited structural element typologies.

Vibration Performance Evaluation of Cold-Formed Steel and Plywood Composite Floors

In this study, experimental natural frequencies and mid-span deflections were used to assess the tested composite floors against vibration serviceability limit states adopted by different standards such as AS3623. It was found that existing design criteria have predicted inconsistent results. Further, the finite element (FE) model was created, updated, and validated against the experimental modal parameters. The validated numerical model examined how various design parameters, such as material properties, cross-section geometry, and achieved a degree of composite action, have influenced the vibration properties such as natural frequencies and mode shapes. It was shown that as the added mass became more dominant than the stiffness enhancement, the fundamental natural frequency of the floor system dropped. This was evident from the results of the plywood slab thickness and the added permanent load parameters. On the other hand, the fundamental natural frequency increased with thicker and deeper joist sections since they made the floor system stiffer.

Effect of Permanent Load in Gresik Alluvium on Friction Pile Embedment Depth

Hydrostatic load, approximately 250-35 kPa (i.e., water of 2.5m-3.5m high), has been applied in the project area for about 25 years; hereafter, it will be referred as permanent load. Recently, this permanent load including its perimeter embankment, is demolished for which a new facility will be built. The upper 2-4m soil layer in this area consists of fill soil (mainly cohesionless material) overlying thick Gresik alluvium layer. A bearing layer was not found (down to an investigation depth of 50m). The initial design of pile embedment depth refers to the legacy soil report, pile embedment information from the surrounding area (not being subjected by permanent load), and preliminary soil investigation data (from the surrounding area); in this case, the projected embedment depth is 20-23m with the friction pile design concept. Due to the proximity of project location with existing facilities, the jacking-driven pile method, with HSPD (Hydraulic Static Pile Driver) machine, is selected for installing the precast spun pile. The pile jacking works indicate that piles can only be driven down to a depth of about 12m (far less than the projected depth). This paper provides an analysis on the changes of soil properties due to permanent load, which in turn increasing the pile shaft capacity and effectively reducing the pile embedment depth. The analysis is supported by data from pile jacking record, PDA test, and instrumented test pile. Discussion regarding the conservatism in pile design is also presented.

A consistent approach to the calibration of partial factors for permanent and variable loads in the 2nd generation of the Eurocodes

In view of the development of the 2nd generation of structural Eurocodes, a discussion about target reliability levels and the calibration of partial factors for actions has started and it is currently ongoing. In the paper, a consistent approach for the calibration of partial factors for permanent and variable loads is presented, duly considering the role of additional safeties which are generally introduced in the design when dealing with climatic actions. The presence of increased (biased) load values in wind and snow hazard maps is detected for several countries in Europe, and its role in the calibration of partial factors and evaluation of reliability levels is investigated and discussed. The results prove the importance of accounting for such safe-sided assumptions in the calibration process in a consistent approach for the definition of climatic hazard maps at the national level. Considering that values of climatic actions provided by the hazard maps are affected by such a bias, the target reliability levels recommended by the Eurocodes are met; on the opposite, disregarding the bias, an unjustified increase of recommended values of partial factors is apparently needed to achieve the target reliability, so inducing higher building material consumptions and, consequently, less sustainable constructions.

Moment-less arches of constant axial stress: Implications for design

The work discusses key features and advantages of optimal 2-pin arches shaped by statistically prevalent (permanent) load and a constant value of axial stress ensuring a moment-free action. A non-conventional design approach, known as analytical form-finding, is used to shape the arches, with guidance given for both symmetric and asymmetric forms. Previously discovered Design Space/existence of symmetric arches of constant axial stress is extended here to cover asymmetric forms. Minimum values of constant stress to be used in form-finding of constant stress arches made of various materials are given. Ultimate load analysis, using permanent and variable patch loads, show advantages of these structures over other arch forms. The work challenges structural optimisation approaches that assume arches of least weight to be optimal, while, in fact, they offer limited design options and are just a special case of constant stress arches. Conventional design approaches that minimise the weight of a structure, but within an imposed geometric configuration, produce non-optimal structures. By exhibiting a minimal stress response to loading, constant stress arches are analogous to highly optimised objects found in nature; this feature gives them the potential to address sustainability and durability issues facing our future infrastructure.

Strain Relief – Teil 1: Grundlagen: Ein neues Verfahren zur Behandlung chronischer Schmerzen im Bewegungsapparat am Beispiel von therapieresistenten, funktionellen Beschwerden in der unteren Extremität

If a permanent load and stress exceeds the elastic limit of the bone, a slight plastic-elastic deformation of the osseous structures may occur. If the bone does not return to its original neutral shape a chronic tension in the trabecular matrix develops or remains. This in turn leads to permanent traction/pressure on the involved fascia, capsule, ligament and tendon structures, which have been shown to be non-extensible, with inevitable activation of the pain receptors interwoven within them. Chronic, sometimes therapy-resistant complaints in the bone area are the result.This article introduces (Bone) Strain Relief, a new conservative treatment concept that can be used to manually bend/rotate/push pathological, invisible bone “deformities” back into their original anatomical position in order to minimize the permanent tension/shear/pull on fascia and tendons and thus very successfully reduce or even eliminate chronic pain.

The Mechanical Response of Structural Elements in Enclosed Structures during Electric Vehicle Fires: A Computational Study

Due to their reduced emissions and environmental benefits, electric vehicles (EVs) have grown in popularity over the past few years. However, EV fires can be a serious threat to nearby buildings, especially in garages where they are parked and charged. In this work, the behavior of the steel structural components in garages during electric car fires is computationally analyzed. To simulate the heat transmission and the structural reaction of a typical garage exposed to an EV fire, a finite element model was created. A comparison was made between the risk associated with fires generated by internal combustion vehicles (ICEVs) and EVs, with the elaboration of a risk index based on the deflections reached by a steel column under fire conditions. The model predictions are based on experimental data retrieved from various literature investigations, as well as regulatory simplified methods. The study conclusions provide information on how EV and ICEV fires affected garage performance, which may be used to design more resilient and safer buildings. The method represents a good compromise between the typical performance-based approaches and the tabular ones, characterized by good accuracy and low computational burden. This allows the professional to design optimized structures without wasting material and unnecessary coatings with their additional permanent loads, which could be detrimental in the case of other exceptional actions such as earthquakes.

Experimental Vibration Analysis in the Knowledge Process of a Historic Confined Masonry Building

Experimental vibrational analysis is used in the knowledge process of a historic building, made of confined masonry, a construction system suggested in the reconstruction after the 1915 earthquake at Avezzano, Italy. The building was the primary subject of the usual experimental campaign to verify the structural geometry, the characteristics of the materials and the permanent loads. Then, a detailed experimental vibration analysis was carried out. Data were analysed both in the frequency and in the time domains. This combined approach allowed us to point out the importance of the floor deformability on the dynamic behaviour of the structure. A finite element model was set up using the equivalent frame method and calibrated on the basis of the experimental vibrational analysis results. The constitutive law of the confined masonry was fine-tuned, following the literature and present standard suggestions. The pushover analyses allowed us to uncover the behaviour factor of the structure and the seismic safety index, which was found to be quite low and very similar to that obtained via a response spectrum analysis.