A new discrete macro-element in an analytical platform for seismic assessment of unreinforced masonry buildings. (1st December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aghababaie Mobarake, A.; Khanmohammadi, M.; Mirghaderi, S.R.
• Is Part Of: Engineering structures. Volume 152(2017:Dec. 01)
• Page Start: 381
• Page End: 396
• Publication Date: 2017-12-01
• Subjects: Unreinforced masonry walls -- Discrete macro-modeling -- In-plane response -- Failure modes -- URM panels; Structural engineering -- Periodicals; Structural analysis (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Construction, Technique de la -- Périodiques; Génie parasismique -- Périodiques; Pression du vent -- Périodiques; Earthquake engineering; Structural engineering; Wind-pressure; Periodicals; 624.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2017.09.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-0296

Abstract

Highlights: A practical platform for numerical simulation of unreinforced masonry buildings is proposed. The proposed method represents in-plane flexural and shear responses of URM piers and spandrels. Satisfactory prediction of the failure modes, strength, drift and hysteretic behavior. Abstract: This paper proposes a practice-oriented platform for numerical simulation of Unreinforced Masonry (URM) buildings. It is based on introducing a new two-dimensional discrete model compatible with most existing structural analysis softwares. The proposed platform comprises of two individual two-dimensional macro-elements, a basic macro-element for modeling the piers and spandrels and a rigid-interface macro-element for modeling the nodal regions. A complete set of constitutive equations and behavioral specifications is proportionally characterized and discussed for the basic macro-element based on its phenomenology and the past experimental studies. The proposed approach provides a rather simple and efficient platform for linear or nonlinear static and dynamic analyses by considering the in-plane behavior of the URM panels. The validation of the proposed analytical platform is conducted using the results of the past experimental tests on a considerable number of piers, spandrels and a perforated wall. The comparisons indicate that the predicted failure mode and hysteretic behavior as well as the ultimate strength and displacement capacity of these specimens are in a satisfactory agreement. In particular, derivation and interpretation of the results in the proposed approach are straightforward and simple; hence, engineers can use this approach for seismic design or retrofit studies. The proposed platform can be further developed and effectively used for modeling a large building or numerous buildings.