Engineering and analyses of a novel Catalan vault. (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Savino, V.; Franciosi, M.; Viviani, M.
• Is Part Of: Engineering failure analysis. Volume 143:Part B(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: Catalan vaults -- Ecorasilla -- FE analyses -- Rasillas -- Sustainable construction materials -- Vaults failure; System failures (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Fracture mechanics -- Periodicals; Reliability (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Pannes -- Périodiques; Rupture, Mécanique de la -- Périodiques; Fiabilité -- Périodiques; Fracture mechanics; Reliability (Engineering); System failures (Engineering); Periodicals; Electronic journals; 620.112
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engfailanal.2022.106841
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1350-6307

Abstract

Highlights: Mechanical testing on meso /macro samples composing Ecorasillas Catalan vaults. Characterization of mechanical properties of raw excavation-earth tiles. Finite element simulations via homogeneous and multi-layer material approaches. Abstract: Among the techniques for constructing vaults without formwork, the most popular is the Catalan. The first layer of lightweight tiles called "Rasillas" is assembled to form a predeterminate shape that resist to loads despite its reduced thickness. Until the first layer is completed, a sticky, quick setting mortar supports the terracotta tiles. Once completed, the first layer of the vault acts as a temporary formwork to support the further layers of tiles and then become a part of the structure. This paper presents a numerical analysis of the mechanical behavior of a novel type of Catalan vault made of sustainable raw excavation-earth tiles called "Ecorasillas". The advantages and drawbacks of the Ecorasilla vaults are highlighted and their performances are compared with a second type of Catalan vault made of clinker bricks. Test results are used to improve the quality of the predictions of the FEM models.