Project 3

Non-linear Modeling and

Analysis of Unreinforced
Masonry Structures
Participants:
Nemanja Krtinić András Horváth
Petra Prašnikar Chiara Patanè
Daniel Tomikj Michele Milesi
Jovan Trajchevski Luca Danesi
Shna Abdulkarim Baban Jamal
Mariwan Farhad

Supervisor: M.Sc. Aanis Uzair

Figure: Case study building – back facade, Dubrovnik Old Town, Croatia

9/1/2023
 Case Study
• Location: Dubrovnik, Croatia

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 Seismic Activity of Dubrovnik

• Dubrovnik region is
seismically and
tectonically very active.
• Estimated maximum
possible magnitude of Mw
7.5

Figure: History of earthquakes in Dubrovnik area, Croatia.

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URM Buildings in Seismic Areas

• Shear strength of masonry is insufficient to

withstand larger earthquake actions due to
lack of vertical ties and poor quality of mortar.

• Stone masonry in generally do not conform

with the design criteria and construction rules
for earthquake resistant buildings or building
walls of EN 1998 – 1:2004 and EN 1996 – 1 -
1:2005 building codes.

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 Structure Description
• Material: natural stone and lime mortar
• 4 floors above ground
• Regular openings on the north facade
Figure: Case study building – north facade, Dubrovnik, Croatia. • Irregular openings in the south facade

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Numerical Modelling Techniques
• Micro-models: • Macro-models:
a) Finite Element Method (FEM) a) Strut-and-tie model (STM)
b) Discrete Element Method b) Equivalent truss model (ETM)
c) Equivalent strut model (ESM)
Relatively accurate results
d) Equivalent Frame Model
More knowledge required
Simple nonlinear constitutive relationships
Computationally expensive
Less computational effort
Suitable for damage prognosis of a building stock
Relative loss of accuracy

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 Equivalent Frame Model – Discretization
Equivalent Frame Model

Flexible Pier and Spandrel Strong Spandrel – Weak Pier (SSWP)

Weak Spandrel – Strong Pier (WSSP)

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 Failiure Modes of Structural Elements

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Procedure for assessment of structure
using Equivalent Frame Method
STEP 1: Definition of pier/spandrel geometry and rigid zones

STEP 2: Formation of an equivalent frame model

STEP 3: Definition of masonry material parameters in SAP2000

STEP 4: Definition of gravity loads in SAP2000

STEP 5: Definition of plastic hinges in SAP2000

STEP 6: Results of nonlinear static analysis

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STEP 1: Definition of Equivalent Frame Geometry

Example of the Front Facade

SPANDRELS PIERS RIGID NODE

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STEP 2: Formation of an Equivalent Frame Model

SPANDREL

PIER
RIGID NODE

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STEP 3: Definition of Masonry Material in SAP2000

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STEP 4: Definition of Gravity Loads in SAP2000

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 STEP 5: Definition of Plastic Hinges in SAP2000
• Plastic hinges are used to define nonlinear Piers (interacting P-M3)
moment-rotation behaviour that can be assigned
to an equivalent frame model.
• Plastic hinges are assigned separately to each pier
and spandrel element:

➢ Piers – definition of interacting P-M3 plastic hinge

➢ Spandrels – definition of shear V2 plastic hinge Spandrels (shear V2)

➢ Shear Ratio (Pier) α0 = 0.75

➢ Piers - relative distance 0 and 1
➢ Spandrels - relative distance 0.5

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STEP 5: Definition of Plastic Hinges in SAP2000
• According to the existing loads, Excel calculations Spandrels
are used to obtain hinge moment/rotation or
shear/rotation plastic hinge.
Piers
Failure mode prediction
from hinges rotation
capacity. A lower value
describes a failure mode
and is used in calculations.

➢ Flexural failure mechanism

➢ Shear failure mechanism

9/1/2023 The lower moment from Mbot or Mtop is considered!

Nonlinear Modelling and Analysis of Unreinforced Masonry Structures 15
STEP 6: Results of Nonlinear Static Analysis

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Conclusions

• With this type of analysis only the in-plane actions are considered. The out of plane
actions are not in the scope of this project.

• Due to the squat piers and the material of the structure, the failure mode is brittle
as expected.

• In order to confirm that the structure satisfies the seismic codes, a comparison with
the seismic demand needs to be made.

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References

• vč č, , & K ,V ( ) u d qu v
frame modeling of unreinforced masonry structures. Engineering structures, 54, 9-
22.

• Lagomarsino, S., Penna, A., Galasco, A., & Cattari, S. (2013). TREMURI program: an
equivalent frame model for the nonlinear seismic analysis of masonry buildings.
Engineering Structures, 56, 1787-1799.

9/1/2023 Nonlinear Modelling and Analysis of Unreinforced Masonry Structures 18

Thank you for your attention!
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