Seismic damage on merlons in masonry fortified buildings: A parametric analysis for overturning mechanism
Daniele Ferretti|Eva Coïsson|Erica Lenticchia
The observation of the damage occurred to ancient masonry buildings is necessary first step understand seismic behavior elements that compose them. Looking at recent events in Italy, a severe could be noticed on wide range historical buildings, some cases even for low values peak ground acceleration. In particular, present paper focuses fortified architectures, characterizing historic city centers and landscapes, investigating vulnerability its most typical element: merlon. analysis observed building typology, collected catalogued previous works, clearly points out merlons are frequently damaged, particularly by out-of-plane mechanisms accelerations. Given fact these vulnerable and, same time, meaningful from cultural point view, work specifically suffered protruding elements, order better their during earthquakes, quantify provide simple instruments protection. Indeed, though collapse rather common, it has received little attention literature. analyses both towers walls, clay brick or stone masonry, describes, through parametric analysis, as features change. A linear elastic model was adopted identify activation plane mechanisms, while subsequent analyzed with non-linear kinematic model. Moreover, appropriate filtering equations were chosen modify response spectrum ground, thus taking into consideration effect exerted supporting wall tower. proposed procedure discussed validated means three different case studies: San Felice sul Panaro Fortress (damaged Emilia 2012 earthquake), Arquata del Tronto Fortress, Rancia Castle (both damaged 2016 Central Italy earthquake). By changing parameters (geometries, materials, soil) between extreme but realistic values, curves relate slenderness PGA leads mechanism (or collapse) plotted. These graphs supply ranges conditions, representing straightforward reliable instrument, also practitioners public bodies charge heritage preservation, useful define priority lists interventions optimize resources prevention future damage.
Engineering Structures