Experimental response of a scaled dry-joint masonry arch subject to inclined support displacements. (15th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferrero, Chiara; Calderini, Chiara; Roca, Pere
• Is Part Of: Engineering structures. Volume 253(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02-15
• Subjects: Dry-joint masonry arches -- Inclined support displacements -- Settlements -- Experimental tests; 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.2021.113804
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-0296

Abstract

Highlights: The response of masonry arches to inclined support displacements is investigated. A large experimental campaign is performed on a small-scale dry-joint masonry arch. Thirteen combinations of vertical and horizontal support displacements are imposed. New conclusions on the effect of inclined displacements are drawn. The imperfections of the joints are found to affect the arch response. Abstract: Support displacements are a major cause of damage to masonry arches. In the last decades, the effect of large support displacements on the stability of masonry arches has been widely investigated. However, there is still a lack of studies dealing with inclined support displacements. In this work, a large experimental campaign was performed on a 1:10 small-scale segmental masonry arch subjected to several combinations of vertical and horizontal support displacements. The mockup was built as a dry-joint assemblage of blocks and was tested to collapse by using a testing machine designed ad hoc. The effects of the displacement direction on the arch static behaviour were evaluated in terms of evolution of the hinge configuration, collapse mechanism, support reaction-displacement curves, ultimate displacement capacity and support reactions at collapse. In light of the experimental results, new conclusions about the arch response to inclined support displacements were drawn. A limit displacement domain, computed as a function of the direction of the imposed support displacements, was also proposed.