Masonry vaults play a much relevant role in the seismic response of heritage masonry buildings, ranging from housing to the greatest cathedrals. Acting as both a ceiling and a structural horizontal diaphragm with significant mass, their mechanical behaviour affects the overall seismic response of buildings, in terms of strength, stiffness, and ductility. Moreover, local damage and collapse of vaults may produce significant losses in terms of cultural assets and casualties.

In spite of the importance of this topic, the evaluation of the complex three-dimensional behaviour of vaults is still an important challenge for researchers.

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The main objectives of the SERA project (Reference:730900 - SERA Call:
H2020-INFRAIA-2016-1) are:

1)    to better understand the seismic behaviour of masonry cross vaults by means of shaking table tests on a full-scale model;
2)    to assess the capability of different modelling/analysis approaches to predict the seismic response of these masonry structures.

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Therefore a blind prediction competition is organised before completing the experimental campaign in order to predict the response of a 1:1 scale model of a brick masonry cross vault in terms of damage, displacement capacity and peak acceleration, by the use of several modelling techniques and strategies.

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The project is a collaboration between University of Genoa, Kerakoll, University of Minho, and UC Berkeley. The shake table tests will take place thanks to the facilities at LNEC, Portugal. The construction of the full scale model was completed in December 2020. Therefore, the deadline for submission of results is June, 2022.