Seismic Mitigation of a Historic Masonry Building

Abstract

Abstract:This work presents an analysis of different proposals of rehabilitation of a masonry building, built around the beginning of the XX century for public schools, in the highest seismic risk zone of Argentine; and which was closed down after Mendoza`s Earthquake in 1985. The building has masonry walls of artisanal ceramic bricks and wood-framed roof but it does not have lateral ties. Currently, it gives evidence of structural pathologies due to various seismic events and the lack of maintenance by water losses. The work was developed in two stages, one in 1999, and the other one in 2010. At each stage, the evaluation of pathologies was carried out. Studies of the soil and the characterization of materials used were also conducted. As a reference, the effect of vibrations generated by the traffic was measured. With the parameters obtained, the structure was modeled through finite elements in order to verify the status of damage and the behavior of the proposed rehabilitation (reinforced concrete or steel structure). The technique of rehabilitation accepted by the heritage experts is the reversible type, in order to avoid further damage to the existing masonry. The seismic capacity is evaluated according to the rules in force. Both proposals should be considered as determining the site conditions and soils in relation to the vulnerability of construction and structural safety. The chosen solution has not only taken into account the use but also the service life of this intervention and the lowest cost possible with local technologies.

Historic Masonry

“…With the experimental results achieved, a finite element model is formulated using the Abaqus software [16] whose parameters allow to obtain a behaviour similar to that observed during the tests. Comparison between stress state modelling and building damage status [17]. Damage due settlements of different sectors [18].…”

“…The analysis of the results from Figure 9. Simulation of facade damage due to inefficient foundation [17].…”

“…These results have allowed us to make a proposal for its repair and subsequent rehabilitation. Figure 7 shows the general structural model and the state of stresses of the masonry of an educational building [17]. It shows the concentration of stress associated with the wall encounters and points of application of loads, points that must be reinforced locally, while the rest of the masonry is subjected to a normal tension level below the stress maximum.…”

“…are modelled, distributing loads to these elements. The seismic action is determined by applying the methods established by the regulations as proportional forces to the mass of each node of the finite element mesh [17].…”

Surface Interaction Model for Great Thickness Masonry

“…Regulations have been mostly based on the analysis of the response of masonry of standard thickness, with the analysis of the behavior of ceramic masonry walls of great thickness being almost null to date (CIRSOC 501, 2007), as well as its international standardization (Maldonado et al, 2011).…”