Work Package 2

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Work Package 2

This WP aims at experimentally investigating the actual dynamic response of masonry structures. Through the use of the different seismic signals determined in WP1 and definition of different structural geometries for analysis, this WP will result in the generation of a huge experimental dataset.

Considering the random nature of the seismic signal and the uncertainty regarding boundary conditions, which influence the out-of-plane response of masonry buildings, a large number of shaking table tests need to be considered. The first task is the definition of building prototypes (WP2a), including variation of boundary conditions. The following benchmark models will be considered: (i) prismatic granite blocks with different aspect ratios and boundary conditions to test in rocking, (ii) 3D symmetric and (iii) asymmetric dry-stack and mortared blocky masonry structures.

Subsequently, shaking table tests will follow of granite blocks in one-way and two-way vertically spanning rocking to account for different support conditions, and considering the effect of vertical acceleration. Some thousands of rocking tests will be continually performed (WP2b). The resulting large set of data will serve as the basis to develop the probabilistic approach for rocking analysis (in WP3) and will be further used to create an open-access experimental database for researchers.

The experimental work follows with shaking table testing of the symmetric and asymmetric 3D specimens (WP2c). These tests will allow the dynamic behaviour of masonry structures to be characterised for different signal characteristics and 3D effects. All experimental results in WP2 will be measured and processed resorting to a dynamic Digital Image Correlation (DIC) system.