Experimental cyclic and dynamic in-plane rocking response of a masonry transverse arch typical of historical churches. (15th September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bolis, Valentino; Preti, Marco; Marini, Alessandra; Giuriani, Ezio
• Is Part Of: Engineering structures. Volume 147(2017:Sep. 15)
• Page Start: 285
• Page End: 296
• Publication Date: 2017-09-15
• Subjects: Masonry transverse arch -- Tie rod over-tension -- Testing -- Analytical estimate -- Seismic vulnerability building retrofit -- Rocking; 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.2017.05.058
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-0296

Abstract

Highlights: Test on a real scale masonry transverse arch subjected to in-plane rocking response. The tie confining the arch thrust is overstressed after the activation of the rocking mechanism. The transverse arch showed large deformation capacity (3% drift) under cyclic loading. Limited local failures occurred only for deformation larger than 1.5% drift. The free vibration response was stable and confirmed the quasi static test results. Abstract: This paper presents the results of an experimental campaign on a small, real-scale masonry transverse arch, under cyclic quasi-static conditions and a dynamic pull-&-release test. The description of the rocking mechanism activated in the specimen and the related tie rod tension modification during the test are described in detail and the test results are compared with analytical predictions based on simple equilibrium equations. The specimen showed a stable response characterized by large deformation capacity and limited damage. Moreover, the pull-&-release test allowed for an insight into the dynamic response of the structure quantifying tie rod tension and the accelerations associated with the impacts during the rocking response.