Advanced finite element modelling and material characterisation procedures in support to the structural assessment of urban masonry quay walls

the Amsterdam case study

Conference Paper (2025)
Author(s)

F. Messali (TU Delft - Applied Mechanics)

Rita Esposito (TU Delft - Applied Mechanics)

S. Sharma (TU Delft - Applied Mechanics)

Michele Longo (TU Delft - Applied Mechanics)

U. Jain (TU Delft - Applied Mechanics)

Research Group
Applied Mechanics
More Info
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Publication Year
2025
Language
English
Research Group
Applied Mechanics
Bibliographical Note
Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository as part of the Taverne amendment. More information about this copyright law amendment can be found at https://www.openaccess.nl. Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public. @en
Pages (from-to)
2265-2273
ISBN (print)
978-3-85748-210-6
Reuse Rights

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Abstract

Masonry quay walls are vital infrastructure in many historic cities, serving both functional and historical purposes. Originally designed as gravity retaining walls, they now face increased vehicle loads and widespread material degradation, particularly in timber foundations. Traditional assessment methods are often overly conservative, lacking standard procedures for multi-wythe masonry characterisation.With over 200 km of quay walls in Amsterdamrequiring renovation, there is an urgent need for practical, reliable assessment methods. This paper provides an overview of recent research conducted at TU Delft with focus on the response of masonry superstructure, presenting and discussing key advancements in the development of high-fidelity static and dynamic finite element models and minor-destructive testing for masonry mechanical property characterisation.

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