Experimental Validation of a Structural Glass Window Design for In-plane Seismic Strengthening: Numerical predictions and experimental validation of unreinforced masonry structures in Groningen area

Gas extractions are responsible for mostly all induced earthquakes in the Groningen area and this leads to damage of houses and buildings and issues regarding safety. Current strengthening measurements are mostly very visible. However, this can change by using the window frame as part of the structure, particularly interesting for Dutch houses...

Retrofitting of Unreinforced Masonry with Timber Elements

Due to gas extraction, seismic activity has become a major problem in the province of Groningen. Existing buildings are not designed to withstand seismic loads and are likely to be structurally unsafe. Two storey terraced houses with concrete floors and large openings in the ground floor façade walls are onsidered vulnerable, since the in-plane...

Structural Window Design for In-plane Seismic Strengthening: Numerical Predictions of Strengthening Unreinforced Masonry Structures in Groningen

In recent decades, gas production has caused numerous human-induced shallow earthquakes in the province of Groningen, The Netherlands. The buildings in this area were not designed for these unexpected earthquake loads and have shown to be vulnerable. However, current strengthening measures are considered to be time-consuming, expensive, and a...

Modelling flexible timber diaphragms in masonry buildings subjected to seismic excitations

Gas extraction has caused increased seismic activity in the area of Groningen, bringing about considerable damage to houses. The houses are generally old masonry houses with flexible timber diaphragms. It is of importance to assess the response of these houses in order to apply proper retrofit measures. There has been substantial research on...