Numerical Evaluation of the Dynamic Response of Masonry Heritage Structures

Sarilyn Ivancic, Ph.D. Defense, Advised by Professor Renato Perucchio

Hopeman 224

A concrete damage plasticity model for non-linear FE analysis is developed to simulate the static and dynamic response of monumental structures built with pozzolanic concrete (opus caementicium) in Imperial Rome and adobe masonry in Peru. In the case of the opus caementicium, the tensile strength, fracture energy, and tensile damage factor determined from a series of experimental arc-shaped three-point bending tests on recreated Roman pozzolanic mortar samples are used. These damage plasticity parameters are used in Abaqus to analyze the structural response of the Frigidarium of the Baths of Diocletian under gravitational loads, lateral accelerations and dynamic base motion ground acceleration loading conditions. The results give insights on the structural role of monolithic columns and flanking shear walls in supporting the concrete vault

For the adobe masonry, the inelastic portion of this quasi-brittle material is represented in tension by an exponential softening curve while in compression a parabolic representation is assumed. This research uses in-situ operational modal analysis (OMA) tests to calibrate numerical finite element models developed in Abaqus CAE by comparing the numerical and experimental frequencies and mode shapes of the bell tower of the church St. Peter the Apostle in Andahuaylillas, Peru. The study of this structure evaluates the overall response of the church due to lateral accelerations and dynamic base motion ground acceleration loading conditions. The results give insights into the behavior and vulnerability of certain structural aspects of the church.

This body of work demonstrates the applicability of a concrete damage plasticity model for the non-linear finite element evaluation of quasi-brittle masonry materials in Abaqus CAE.