Earthquake Protection of Colonial Bell Towers in Colima, Mexico with Externally Prestressed FRPs. Issue 4 (18th May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Preciado, Adolfo; Budelmann, Harald; Bartoli, Gianni
• Is Part Of: International journal of architectural heritage. Volume 10:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 499
• Page End: 515
• Publication Date: 2016-05-18
• Subjects: bell towers -- energy dissipation -- FRP devices -- historical masonry -- nonlinear assessments -- retrofitting -- strong earthquakes -- unbounded prestressing; Architecture -- Conservation and restoration -- Periodicals; Historic buildings -- Periodicals; Historic preservation -- Planning -- Periodicals; 721.0288
• DOI: 10.1080/15583058.2014.1003624
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1558-3058

Abstract

ABSTRACT: A methodology for the seismic vulnerability reduction of old masonry towers with external prestressing is presented. It is applied at the Colonial bell-towers of the Cathedral of Colima, Mexico, characterized for being a high seismic area (M>7.5). The 3D FE models are calibrated with experimental data and assessed through nonlinear static approaches including the seismic demand and an accurate validated masonry model. Based on an extensive parametric study on different configurations of old masonry towers, it is selected an optimal prestressing force and device. The Colonial towers are retrofitted with four prestressing devices of FRPs to convert them into a high energy-dissipative reinforced masonry. The external vertical prestressing is included at key points identified in the seismic vulnerability assessment. This technique is in compliance with the demand for architectural conservation and may be located without drilling and unbounded in order to be fully removable. The seismic performance is enhanced by increasing force, displacement, and internal confinement. It is observed an upgrading of 35% and 20% of displacement capacity. With these results it is corroborated that external vertical prestressing allows a substantial increment of ductility for seismic energy dissipation purposes.