Comparison of experimental results and numerical modelling of unreinforced load-bearing masonry structures subjected to earthquake loading

Abstract

This paper presents a comparison of experimental tests results on unreinforced load-bearing masonry structures subjected to earthquake loading with numerical predictions. First, simple walls are submitted to cyclic and shaking table tests. Some of them include soundproofing devices in order to investigate their influence on the general behaviour in static and dynamic conditions. Additional walls with an opening and T-shaped walls are then tested under cyclic loading. The study is focused on the frame effect, the contribution of the perpendicular wall to the global strength and the efficiency of the connection. These aspects are also studied through shaking table tests on two masonry frames with T- or L-shaped piers. The main information is expressed in terms of force-displacement curves, mechanical properties and energy dissipation for the cyclic tests. The shaking table tests provide results in terms of dynamic and mechanical properties. Comparison of the results with numerical predictions is finally performed thanks to the software TREMURI.