2D and 3D Modelling Strategies to Reproduce the Response of Historical Masonry Buildings Subjected to Settlements

In this study, 2D and 3D modelling strategies are used to represent the behaviour of historical masonry buildings on strip foundations undergoing settlements. The application focuses on a two-story building, typical of the Dutch architectural heritage. An improved 2D modelling is presented: It includes the effect of the lateral walls to...

Empirical fragility and ROC curves for masonry buildings subjected to settlements

In the Netherlands, the potential damage to the building stock due to subsidence phenomena has recently received increased awareness. However, evaluating and predicting damage to buildings in subsiding areas is a complex task that requires associating the vulnerability of exposed structures with the intensity of the subsidence hazard....

Shape matters: Influence of varying settlement profiles due to multicausal subsidence when modelling damage in a masonry façade

This paper demonstrates the use of non-linear finite element modelling to investigate the response of structures subjected to different shapes of subsidence-related ground settlements. The approach is presented with reference to a two-storey unreinforced masonry façade resting on a shallow foundation. Eight realistic settlement shapes, based on...

Sensitivity modelling with objective damage assessment of unreinforced masonry façades undergoing different subsidence settlement patterns

This study aims to investigate the damage response of unreinforced masonry (URM) façades resting on strip foundations and subjected to ground settlements via numerical models. The models depict the non-linear constitutive behaviour of both the masonry, via smeared cracking, and of the soil-foundation interaction, via nonlinear interface...

Modelling of Damage in Historical Masonry Façades Subjected to a Combination of Ground Settlement and Vibrations

Historical masonry façades are sensitive to various damaging processes. A recent study, looking at the initiation and progression of cracks in masonry, in the range of 0.1 to 5 mm in width and thus corresponding to light damage [1], has allowed for the calibration of finite-element models that include a material model capable of accurately...

Accurate and Efficient 2D Modelling of Historical Masonry Buildings Subjected to Settlements in Comparison to 3D Approaches

This paper presents an improved 2D modelling strategy which aims to represent the behavior of historical unreinforced masonry buildings on shallow foundations subjected to ground settlements. The application is presented with reference to a two-storey building, typical of the Dutch built heritage. The novelty comprises the inclusion of the...

Multi-source monitoring data and numerical analyses for the assessment of settlements affecting built-up areas in variable soil conditions

This paper presents an integrated analysis based on the use of multi-source wide-area datasets consisting of hydro-mechanical properties of geomaterials, in-situ investigations/measurements (e.g. groundwater levels in wells) and innovative space-borne data (i.e. DInSAR techniques) to support numerical analyses aimed at assessing and predicting...

District-scale numerical analysis of settlements related to groundwater lowering in variable soil conditions

This study presents a novel framework in which numerical modelling contributes to the performance of district-scale, subsidence-induced damage assessment in cities where ground settlements affect entire quarters. Therein, the implementation of expeditious procedures offers geotechnical engineers the possibility of contributing beyond the...