Time History Analyses of a Masonry Structure for a Sustainable Technical Assessment According to Romanian Design Codes

Abstract

Computer simulations are challenging in terms of modeling the appropriate behavior of brick masonry structures. These numerical simulations are becoming increasingly difficult due to several design code requirements considered for the technical assessment of brick masonry structures for rehabilitation. In Romania, many brick masonry structures have withstood powerful earthquakes during their lifetime and require rehabilitation works. This paper aims to further assess various simulation challenges regarding the boundary conditions of spandrels and masonry structural behavior. This paper presents a comparative numerical study of two different spandrel-piers scenarios: one considers the link between them as unaffected, and the other attempts to simulate the occurrence of damage by replacing the spandrel’s presence in the initial structure. The proposed model follows the “strong pier–weak spandrel model” and is aimed at practicing engineers. Models are computed with ordinary design software such as Robot Structural Analysis with 2D shells finite elements for masonry walls and, in a more complex manner, software such as Ansys with 3D solid finite elements. Time history analyses are carried out for three distinct accelerograms recorded in Romania. A comparison of the results acquired from these two models is presented and discussed. The purpose of this research is to highlight the importance of proper modeling of unreinforced brick masonry structures to optimize operational and maintenance practices.