A correlation study to support material characterisation of typical Dutch masonry structures

To date, several different structural representations of masonry are available for use in the numerical and analytical assessment methods, each calling for a distinct level of refinement regarding the material input. To determine material properties, in terms of strength, stiffness, and toughness under compression, bending, and shear loading,...

In-plane seismic behaviour of retrofitted masonry walls subjected to subsidence-induced damage

The province of Groningen in the Netherlands is experiencing the continuous impact of gas extraction in the form of induced seismicity. Due to the absence of naturally occurring seismicity in the region, the historic building stock of Groningen was constructed without empirical design features typically encountered in naturally seismic...

Crack initiation and propagation in unreinforced masonry specimens subjected to repeated in-plane loading during light damage

In recent years, gas extraction in the northern part of the Netherlands has been causing low-magnitude, induced, shallow earthquakes. Besides safety, the prediction and evaluation of ‘light’ damage due to these induced ground motions is important, as it is related to economic and serviceability losses, and societal unrest. An experimental and...