LIMIT ANALYSIS (Kinematic Analysis)

For the application of this method three conditions must be taken into
account, in general:

1) No tension resistance of the masonry.

2) Absence of slipping between blocks.
3) Infinite compression resistance of the masonry.

However, for a more realistic simulation, it is possible to consider in an

approximate way:
- The slipping between blocks, considering the presence of friction
- The connections, even of limited resistance, between masonry walls.
- The presence of metallic chains.
- The limited compression resistance of the masonry, considering the
hinges adequately in arrears compared to the edge of the section.
- The presence of walls with disconnected faces.
LIMIT ANALYSIS (Kinematic Analysis)
For the application of this method three conditions must be taken into
account, in general:

1) No tension resistance of the masonry.

2) Absence of slipping between blocks.
3) Infinite compression resistance of the masonry.

However, for a more realistic simulation, it is possible to consider in an

approximate way:
- The slipping between blocks, considering the presence of friction
- The connections, even of limited resistance, between masonry walls.
- The presence of metallic chains.
- The limited compression resistance of the masonry, considering the
hinges adequately in arrears compared to the edge of the section.
- The presence of walls with disconnected faces.
LIMIT ANALYSIS (Kinematic Analysis)
To obtain the horizontal load multiplier α0 that activates the local damage
mechanism, it is necessary to apply the following forces to the kinematic
chain composed of the rigid blocks:

- The dead load of the blocks applied at their centre of gravity.

- The vertical loads carried by the blocks (dead loads and live loads of
the floors and the roof, other masonry elements not considered in the
structural model).
- A system of horizontal forces proportional to the supported vertical
loads, if these are not efficiently transmitted to the other parts of the
building.
- Possible external forces (for example, those transmitted by metallic tie
rods).
- Possible internal forces (for example, the actions related to interlocking
of masonry units).
LIMIT ANALYSIS (Kinematic Analysis)

Where:

- “n” is the total number of dead loads (weights, vertical forces) applied
to the different rigid blocks of the kinematic chain.
- “m” is the number of weight forces not directly acting on the blocks but
whose masses, due to the effect of seismic action, generate horizontal
forces on the elements of the kinematic chain and which are not
efficiently transmitted to the other parts of the building.
- “o” is the number of the external forces applied to the blocks but not
related to masses.
- “Pi” is the generic weight force (dead weight of the block applied at its
centre of gravity, or other live loads).
LIMIT ANALYSIS (Kinematic Analysis)

- “Pj” is the generic weight force, not directly applied to the blocks, but
whose mass, due to the effect of seismic action, generates horizontal
forces on the elements of the kinematic chain and which are not
efficiently transmitted to the other parts of the building.
- “δx,i” is the virtual horizontal displacement of the point of application
of the i-th weight Pi, assumed as positive that direction of the seismic
action which activates the mechanism.
- “δx,j” is the virtual horizontal displacement of the point of application
of the j-th weight Pj, assumed as positive that direction of the seismic
action which activates the mechanism.
LIMIT ANALYSIS (Kinematic Analysis)

- “δy,i” is the virtual vertical displacement of the point of application of

the i-th weight Pi, assumed positive if upwards.
- “Fh” is the generic external force (absolute value) applied to the block.
- “δh” is the virtual displacement of the point of application of h-th
external force Fh in the direction of the force and positive if in the
opposite direction.
- “Lfi” is the work done by the internal forces.