Seismic Vulnerability Assessment and Retrofit Strategies for Masonry Vaults

The use of brick vaults as roof structures in ancient buildings, makes it imperative to assess their vulnerability in earthquake-prone regions. The objective of this study is to pinpoint weak points of brick vaults susceptible to seismic events, thereby informing seismic retrofitting strategies to enhance lateral resistance. This study particularly focuses on common configurations such as ۵ and ۷ arch vaults. Validation of numerical modeling is based on experimental tests. Finite element analyses, encompassing static and time history nonlinear analyses, reveal that cracks and failures predominantly initiate at the base connections of piers to the ground and arches to piers. Results for a specific case study, indicate that the main vault of the studied case is more vulnerable compared to smaller connected vaults, with complete destruction observed before collapse. Based on the analyses conducted, critical and vulnerable locations of the vault were identified, and by reinforcing these locations, the lateral capacity and the vulnerability of the vault will increase, and decrease, respectively.

کلیدواژه ها:

Masonry Vaults ، non-linear dynamic analysis ، Seismic Vulnerability Assessment ، Retrofit Strategy ، Pushover analysis ، experimental study