Experimental and Analytical Study of Masonry Subjected to Uniaxial Cyclic Compression

Abstract

Structural evaluation of masonry against dynamic seismic actions invariably requires appropriate cyclic compression constitutive models. However, not many research studies have been dedicated to date to investigate the cyclic compression behaviour of masonry. Therefore, series of experimental investigation followed by analytical model verification were employed in this research to better understand the cyclic compression characteristics of masonry. Twelve masonry wallettes were experimentally tested under cyclic compression loading with different unit-to-mortar assemblies, which are commonly found in masonry structures. The experimental results indicated that the cyclic compression behaviour is greatly influenced by the masonry compressive strength and deformation properties. Thereafter, the ability of five literature analytical models to predict the masonry structural response under cyclic compression loading was investigated. The advantages and limitations of these models are presented and discussed, and the most appropriate analytical model to define the cyclic compression characteristics of masonry has been evaluated and reported. The suggested analytical model is shown to predict the cyclic compression characteristics of different masonry assemblies such as the envelop response, the stiffness degradation, the plastic strain history of the unloading and reloading stages.

A total‐strain based orthotropic continuum model for the cyclic nonlinear behavior of unreinforced brick masonry structures

“…Experimental research on the behavior of masonry subjected to cyclic compression [48][49][50][51][52] has shown that the material behaves nonlinearly, with accumulation of nonreversible strains and stiffness degradation. The unloading and reloading branches follow different paths and the reloading stiffness decreases with every new cycle during the postpeak response.…”

Study of Materials Behavior in a Monumental Vault Strengthened by a Carbon Net in a Mineral Matrix Subjected to Seismic Influence

“…The investigations of destructions of monumental masonry vaults due to strong kinematic seismic loading have uncovered that the protection of these types of structures is a difficult technical task [1][2][3][4]. In particular, for historical structures located on seismic activity regions, the kinematic loading generated by seismic events are one of the most destructive factors [4,5]. Hence, monumental structures of this type, which are memorable heritage landmarks, have to be secured and, if necessary, strengthened against seismic loadings [6][7][8][9].…”

“…Hence, monumental structures of this type, which are memorable heritage landmarks, have to be secured and, if necessary, strengthened against seismic loadings [6][7][8][9]. Taking into consideration the assessment methods which were proposed by different researchers [4][5][6][7][8][9], the numerical evaluation of damages in structures subjected to seismic events is significant stage in designing strengthening. Calculations with nonlinear plastic material models provide good quality data for strengthening the structural parts that are at risk of being destroyed by strong seismic events [10][11][12].…”

Calibration of Partial Safety Factors of Sample Masonry Structures

“…The analysis of compressed masonry structures has been presented in many domestic and foreign scientific publications [ 13 , 14 , 15 ]. There are also publications on the cyclic loading of masonry structures [ 16 , 17 , 18 ].…”