Vertical spanning wall elastically restrained at the top: validation and parametric dynamic analysis

Abstract

In unreinforced masonry structures, among the most dangerous events that can occur during earthquakes are the out-of-plane mechanisms. This type of response significantly changes if the wall is restrained by a horizontal element. The collapse, in this case, could take place for slipping/failure of the diaphragm connection or for overturning of the wall, following the formation of a crack at an intermediate height between the base and the top. A specific analytical model is used to capture the complex dynamic behavior of the wall, formed by two stacked rigid bodies (free to rock) with the top one connected to a flexible diaphragm. The model is calibrated using experimental data available in the literature and it is then used to carry out a dynamic parametric analysis. The variation range of relevant parameters refers to the building features surveyed in Emilia-Romagna region, Italy, and their effect on the global response of the system is investigated. Further, the influence of ground motion is considered, using different ground accelerations. The results of the analysis highlight that, for the considered area and return period, the maximum rotations of the system are significant only for large slenderness values. Further, the investigation shows that the diaphragm plays a crucial role in the dynamic response of the system. The stiffness of the diaphragm can significantly reduce the rotations and consequently the risk of overturning. Additionally, the study on the effect of the wall size pointed out how a top spring causes a reverse scale effect.