Modal Analysis of a Fire-Damaged Masonry Vault

Abstract

This study analyzes the thermo-mechanical behavior of a brick vault and the effect of a fire on its dynamic characteristics. Based on the results of an experimental test of a real barrel vault with a net span of 161 cm and a net rise of 46.5 cm, an accurate numerical model to simulate the behavior of the brick-and-mortar structure under thermo-mechanical stresses has been implemented. The comparison of the evolution of the displacement in the keystone and the temperatures at various points of the vault allows us to affirm that the adopted micro-modeling approach presents a good accuracy and a feasible computational effort. Finally, this study shows, from a numerical point of view, how the variation in the structure’s eigenfrequencies can be predicted for extreme situations, such as fire damage. This aspect can be critical to develop effective intervention and prevention strategies, which can be useful for the preservation of our valuable cultural and historic resources.