Comparison of different finite element model updates based on experimental onsite testing: the case study of San Giovanni in Macerata

Abstract

Understanding the behavior of historic structures that have undergone structural changes, restorations, and damage over time is still a significant challenge for structural engineers, particularly in those countries subject to high seismic risk, such as Italy. The study of built heritage for its prevention and conservation is an active research topic, due to the numerous uncertainties present in historic structures. Finite element modelling has become the most common and accessible method to study the behavior of complex masonry structures, however, the gap between numerical and experimental analysis may lead to erroneous results. Model updating techniques can reduce the discrepancy between the behavior of the numerical models and the testing results. The goal of this work is to illustrate a methodology to integrate the information derived from local, global, and geotechnical investigations into the finite element model of the masonry historical church of San Giovanni in Macerata, considering the Douglas–Reid model updating method. The PRiSMa laboratory of Roma Tre University carried out local investigations such as sonic tomography, video endoscopy and double flat jack tests, along with five ambient vibration tests that were processed through the operational modal analysis to extrapolate the dynamic properties of the building (modal frequency, modal shape vector and modal damping). The combined use of global, local and geotechnical information implemented in the methodology effectively reduced the uncertainties of the model and led the refinement and validation of the most relevant structural parameters.

Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Multi-arch Gallery Masonry Bridges Adopting Different Seismic Analysis Procedures

“…However, sometimes the experimental investigation may not be compatible with the conservation policies of the structure. In the case of no experimentation data available for material, one can rely on the national and international codes and literature (Sevim et al 2011;Milani and Lourenço 2012;Bayraktar et al 2016;Bertolesi et al 2017;Conde et al 2017;Baggio et al 2021).…”

Onsite Testing for Nonlinear Analysis of an Earthquake Damaged Historical Church in Italy

“…The relationship between the experimental dynamic behavior and the model parameters depends on the heterogeneity of the materials, including the possibility of unidentified damage (i.e., crack, loss of material/detachment, loose interlocking and microcracks), and the interaction among the structural elements, in particular, at the foundation level. In addition, the complexity of the model increases the number of parameters; for these reasons, the initially examined parameters were chosen based on engineering judgment and the already demonstrated influence of the boundary conditions [18,28].…”

An application of different surrogate models to model updating of a heritage structure

“…Preservation of historical structures can take advantage of model updating based on the results of Operational Modal Analysis (OMA) tests to enhance the reliability of numerical models used for structural assessment and simulations. [1]. Indeed, destructive tests as well as structural interventions must be as limited as possible in the case of historical structures while ensuring adequate levels of structural safety.…”