JR

J.G. Rots

211 records found

Soil heterogeneity, due to variations in the subsurface stratigraphy or properties within a layer, can trigger or amplify differential settlements that affect buildings and infrastructure and can thus lead to (increase in) damage. The state-of-the-art mainly focuses on the effect ...
The integration of bacteria-based self-healing mortars has emerged as a promising solution to address repair due to recurring cracks and preserving masonry durability. Building upon a recent pilot study demonstrating the efficacy of a self-healing agent in the repair of masonry m ...

Damage From Ups and Downs

Investigating Cracking in Unreinforced Masonry Structures Exposed to Settlement and Uplift Cycles Using Finite Element Analyses

Cycles of settlement and uplift beneath existing masonry structures can lead to visible cracks, which not only affect the aesthetic appearance and functionality of the building but can also compromise its structural integrity and undermine the occupants' sense of safety. These cy ...
Within the context of light damage to unreinforced masonry structures, recent tests have shown that the cracking behaviour of calcium-silicate brick masonry walls makes them more vulnerable to in-plane loads when compared against fired-clay brick walls. To further explore this ob ...
This study deals with the high-fidelity block-based finite element simulation of dynamic out-of-plane (OOP) responses of unreinforced masonry (URM) walls, explicitly focusing on two-way bending behaviors under seismic loads, which is a common critical failure mode in real-world m ...
Damage assessment for masonry structures subjected to settlement is crucial for ensuring structural safety, guiding repairs, and preserving the built environment. Non-linear finite element modelling offers an effective approach for this purpose, though balancing model complexity, ...
Masonry structures, integral components of architectural heritage, are diffuse worldwide and continue to be interwoven within modern infrastructures. The complex nature of their constituents has driven active research toward understanding their mechanical behavior. Accurately and ...
This study presents a robust contact constitutive model in the distinct element method (DEM) framework for simulating the mechanical behavior of masonry structures. The model is developed within the block-based modeling strategy, where the masonry unit is modeled as deformable bl ...

Bacteria-based self-healing agent for masonry repair

Applicability to cement-lime mortars

In the pursuit of introducing bacteria-based self-healing mortar for masonry repair, this study examined the potential of incorporating a poly-lactic acid (PLA) agent—already established in concrete repair—into cement-lime mortars, typical of historical constructions. Testing pri ...
In this paper, a numerical procedure is proposed to simulate the dynamic out-of-plane response of unreinforced masonry (URM) walls. A state-of-the-art damaging block-based model, originally developed for quasi-static simulations, is extended for the first time in a dynamic regime ...
In the Netherlands, subsidence due to different causes is linked to damage to the ubiquitous masonry structures. Finite element (FE) analyses can be used to assess the response of the structures subjected to settlements. This paper presents the comparison between three-dimensiona ...
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 ...
Cracks represent a prevalent form of damage in masonry structures, posing not only aesthetic concerns but also compromising structural durability; therefore, they are undesirable and need to be repaired. The repointing technique is traditionally implemented in this context, espec ...
The seismic assessment of the out-of-plane (OOP) behaviour of unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings is essential since the OOP is one of the primary collapse mechanisms in URM buildings. It is influenced by several parameters, including the poor connections between structural elem ...
Drift limits are useful thresholds; during design or retrofitting analyses, engineers can compare the expected behaviour of a structure to drift limits that predict when the structure will reach a certain condition. This helps ensure that structures satisfy specified performance ...
Post-earthquake structural damage shows that out-of-plane (OOP) wall collapse is one of the most common failure mechanisms in unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings. This issue is particularly critical in Groningen, a province located in the northern part of the Netherlands, where ...
Sequentially Linear Analysis (SLA) is known for robust and reliable finite element simulations of masonry constructions, often considered challenging because of the brittle behaviour of the masonry material. Herein a sequence of scaled linear analyses is performed with decreasing ...
Due to the accompanying severe consequences of explosions, the blast puts a great threat to public security. Nonlinear finite element analysis is a possible method for civil engineers to check the integrity of the structures under blast loading without underestimating the limit o ...
The city of Utrecht is famously known for the system of canals and the wharf cellars integrated to the heart of the city, whose construction dates back to the 1300s. Due to increased traffic volume which caused the increase in dead load and traffic load, it is important to assess ...
Cracks are one of the most common expressions of damage in masonry structures. Aside from aesthetic issues, they can compromise the overall behaviour of the structure; therefore, they are undesirable and need to be repaired. The repointing technique is traditionally implemented i ...