Evaluation of Strengthening Techniques of Traditional Masonry Buildings: Case Study of a Four-Building Aggregate

Abstract

Increasing appraisal of the durability, conservation state, and changeable use and function of old buildings in urban centers relies a great deal on the structural safety evaluation of vertical load capacity and the ability to resist horizontal forces. The need to assess seismic vulnerability, particularly of traditional masonry buildings, is a key issue. Evaluation of the seismic vulnerability of old buildings is essential in the definition of strengthening needs and minimization of damage from seismic actions in the safeguarding of built heritage. A threedimensional model was developed for an aggregate of four traditional masonry buildings located in the old city center of Coimbra, in Portugal. The finite element modeling of these buildings has aimed to identify structural fragility, understand the damages detected, and evaluate the global structural safety of these types of buildings. The primary results obtained in this case study helped to interpret the structural damage and stress distribution, and verified global stability and its consequences. Different strengthening techniques to improve the global behavior of these buildings were modeled and analyzed. A comparison of the efficiencies of strengthening strategies is also discussed.

Structural survey and diagnosis of historical constructions – the experience of the Construction Institute

“…For example, models can be developed with the purpose of reproducing and interpreting the structural damage that was observed in the survey or to predict the structural response under loading conditions that did not occurred yet. Alternatively, models can also be developed to simulate the effects of rehabilitation and/or strengthening interventions (Vicente et al, 2010, Silva et al, 2012.…”

Seismic Strengthening of the Bagh Durbar Heritage Building in Kathmandu Following the Gorkha Earthquake Sequence

“…Several historical earthquakes, such as 2003 Bam, 2009 L'Aquila, 2010 Chile, and 2016 Central Italy, among others, have reflected widespread damage to heritage structures (see e.g., [4][5][6][7]). The complex behavior of masonry structures is long discussed (e.g., [8][9][10][11][12], thus, the difficulties in seismic assessment are clear to the technical community. Existing literature on the numerical analysis of heritage structures by non-linear analyses documents well the complexity of the task and the uncertainties which remain unresolved in the interpretation of the seismic behavior of heritage masonry structures (see for e.g., [13][14][15][16][17]).…”

Dynamic Behavior of Aggregated Buildings With Different Floor Systems and Their Finite Element Modeling

“…The reinforcement of one building that belongs to a complex could lead to mass and stiffness changes of this structure which affects the response of neighboring structures. For example, in Vicente et al (2011), a numerical study of an aggregate of four traditional masonry buildings was presented to evaluate the structural behavior of those buildings and provide possible strengthening solutions. Specifically, a linear three-dimensional FE model and three strengthening solutions (timber floor stiffening, tie rods, and stone masonry strengthening and consolidation) were analyzed.…”