Title: Rubble masonry response under cyclic actions: experimental tests and theoretical models

Authors: Roberta Fonti; Antonio Borri; Rainer Barthel; Michele Candela; Antonio Formisano

Addresses: Department of Architecture, Art Technology and Conservation Science TUM, Technical University of Munich, Oettingenstraße 15, 80538 München, Germany ' Department of Engineering, University of Perugia, Via G. Duranti 95, 06125 Perugia, Italy ' Department of Architecture, Technical University of Munich, Arcisstraße 21, 80333 München, Germany ' PAU Dipartment - Patrimonio Architettura e Urbanistica, University Mediterranea of Reggio Calabria, Salita Melissari, 1, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy ' Department of Structures for Engineering and Architecture (DiSt), University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy

Abstract: The presented research investigates the problem of assessing the seismic resistance of rubble masonry walls to normal lateral forces. Published research on this topic is sparse and reliable data on existing rubble masonry are still lacking. In particular, further studies are required when disconnected rubble walls are rocking out-of-plane with fully cracked sections. This subject was addressed by on-site experimental tests of full-scale elements. The selected case studies are located in Italy, in regions prone to earthquakes, which were sites of devastating seismic sequences in the past. Numerical predictions of the overturning forces and displacements required to cause failures of isolated walls are compared with the results of the quasi-static experiments using force-equilibrium formulations. An improvement in the existing procedures to evaluate masonry vulnerability under seismic loads is presented along with recommendations for the selection of an appropriate level of degradation, especially for rubble works.

Keywords: interlocked masonry; on-site cyclic tests; out-of-plane response; small fillers; rubble masonry walls; seismic resistance; earthquakes; lateral forces; rubble walls; Italy; overturning forces; displacements; masonry vulnerability; seismic loads.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMRI.2017.082391

International Journal of Masonry Research and Innovation, 2017 Vol.2 No.1, pp.30 - 60

Received: 05 Nov 2015
Accepted: 30 Jun 2016
Published online: 22 Feb 2017 *

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