Projects / Programmes
Seismic resistance of modern masonry structures
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.01.04 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Civil engineering |
Earthquake engineering |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T220 |
Technological sciences |
Civil engineering, hydraulic engineering, offshore technology, soil mechanics |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.01 |
Engineering and Technology |
Civil engineering |
masonry, seismic resistance, unreinforced masonry, modelling, damage, interface, cracks
Researchers (1)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
24339 |
PhD Matija Gams |
Civil engineering |
Head |
2010 - 2012 |
0 |
Organisations (1)
Abstract
The main subject of the proposed project is to analyze and quantify the effect of new materials and technologies in masonry. There are quite a few new developments in masonry, but the most obvious change is in mortars. Modern mortars are very strong compared to mortars that were used in the past, thin layer mortars are used in larger extent, and even glues such as polyurethane glue are being used. There are significant changes in masonry units as well, where the most significant change is grinding of bed joint surfaces, which implies different constitutive laws of unit – mortar interface. Moreover, the modern masonry unit is often designed for construction without filling the head joints, which makes the contact dry but tight.
Results of numerous recent investigations of seismic resistance of modern masonry walls at Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute (ZAG) show that established and recognized equations from engineering practice fail to adequately describe the response of walls (Tomaževič et al, 2009a). Moreover, a different response from that of a classical block masonry can be observed and can more appropriately be described by a compressive strut model.
A comprehensive experimental and numerical research program is proposed in order to quantify the effect of novel approaches in masonry, which aims at measuring and modelling constitutive laws of each component of the wall as well as at detailed modelling of cyclic shear tests and seismic response of structures. The determination of exact constitutive laws of modern mortars and glues by means of measurements and numerical modelling is the first objective of the proposed project.
The developed numerical procedures will be used to perform numerical parametrical studies, which will be validated by additional experimental tests. A detailed analysis of the aforementioned compressive strut model is planned, which is aimed at confirming or rejecting the mechanism as well as at determining the conditions under which the model is likely to occur and is thus valid. The aim is, to determine these conditions with respect to geometric and strength properties of the wall and its constituents as well as with respect to boundary conditions. The successful validation and the detailed development of this mechanism is the second objective of this project.
The final goal of this project is to develop a new computer program for analysis of masonry structures, which will be based on an advanced mathematical model for modelling masonry. The program will serve as a tool for calculating seismic resistance of existing and especially new masonry structures. It will take into account nonlinear response in piers and lintels, as well as floor-wall interaction.
Significance for science
The obtained experimental results expand the basic knowledge about masonry from new units and mortars and their seismic response. They provide the data about material parameters and numerical models which can be used to describe their seismic response. From this point of view, they represent the basis for other research and elementary data for other researchers from Slovenia and abroad.
The performance of the developed numerical model for micro modelling of masonry walls is a source of information for other researchers developing their own mathematical models. Current findings will enable them to improve and adapt their models.
Computer program for analysis of structures is an open platform for testing and research of different numerical models for structures, which are based on the equivalent frame hypothesis. The program is still being improved by the researchers of our institute.
Significance for the country
The development in numerical methods and new experimental data obtained in this project enable analyses of seismic response of new and existing structures with higher accuracy. This in turn enables more efficient construction and at the same time provides directions for Slovenian brick industry for future development of their products.
High accuracy and reliability of the methods enable higher seismic safety of Slovenian masonry infrastructure and thus indirectly protect human lives and economic prosperity in case of an earthquake.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2010,
2011,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2010,
2011,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
