Validation of Macro model-Based Numerical Simulation for Unreinforced Brick Masonry Arches

The structural assessment of historical masonry buildings particularly those featuring vaulted arches presents significant challenges due to their complex geometries and the high computational demands associated with detailed numerical simulations. While micro-modeling approaches offer high-fidelity representations of local failure mechanisms, they are often impractical for large-scale heritage structures. This study evaluates the effectiveness and accuracy of macro-scale modeling as a computationally efficient alternative for simulating the seismic and mechanical behavior of unreinforced masonry arches. Two experimental case studies are analyzed: a one-third scale adobe vault subjected to vertical displacement and a full-scale clay brick barrel vault tested under dynamic loading using a shaking table. Numerical simulations were conducted using the ABAQUS finite element platform, incorporating the Concrete Damage Plasticity (CDP) model to capture the nonlinear behavior of masonry. The results demonstrate strong agreement between numerical and experimental data with respect to global failure mechanisms, load-displacement responses, and dynamic characteristics such as natural frequencies and acceleration histories at control points. The peak load prediction error was less than ۰.۲%, and displacement deviations remained below ۱۵%. Although fine crack patterns were not fully replicated, the overall structural response was captured with high accuracy. These findings validate the application of macro-modeling as a practical and reliable approach for the seismic evaluation and conservation planning of large-scale historical vaulted masonry structures.

کلیدواژه ها:

macro-modeling ، masonry vaults ، historic structures ، seismic behavior ، finite element analysis ، ABAQUS ، Concrete Damage Plasticity