Shake table tests simulation

The definition of the experimental setup plays a fundamental role for obtaining the desired failure. In this context the shear behaviour is the main objective of the tests.

The setup was designed in order to achieve this goal, performing several numerical analyses on a finite element macro model. In fact, a sensitivity and parametric study was conducted, where the structural elements of the model changed, mainly: the diameter of the steel bars, the distance between them, the dimensions of the steel profiles and the presence of the filling.

To evaluate the efficiency of the different configurations and softwares, please be sure that eigenvalues analyses show shear failure at the first mode shape. Once the first mode is set, nonlinear static and dynamic analysis can be performed to evaluate the details under seismic action.

The picture below shows an example of a finite element numerical model built in DIANA FEA Environment, with the preliminary material properties assumed.

The following shake table tests will be performed:
a) Tests on a 1:1 scale model of a brick unreinforced masonry cross vault: to investigate the behavior of brick masonry cross vaults under different seismic inputs, in terms of damage, displacement capacity and peak acceleration.
b) Tests on a 1:1 scale model of a brick reinforced masonry cross vault: to evaluate the effectiveness of the textile reinforced mortar (TRM) strengthening techniques. The same model will be repaired and tested.

A registered ground motion will be applied per steps of percentage in order to control the level of damage, until the moment when the structure needs a strengthening intervention.
Dynamic identification tests are the tool for evaluating the dynamic properties of the structures and repeating them at the various stage of the shake table testing will allow to determine the dynamic changes of the mock-up.

The main results of the comparison between several modelling approaches will allow to define the contribution of the parameters on the failure of masonry cross vaults, as a function of the type and quality of the masonry, bond masonry and knowledge level of the properties of the structure.