Seismic analysis of failure mechanisms in adjacent interacting stone masonry buildings via rigid block modeling

Abstract Groups of contiguous unreinforced stone masonry buildings are a common type housing seen in old European downtowns. However, assessing their response to earthquakes poses several challenges the analysts, especially when units laid out compact configurations. In fact, those circumstances modeling technique that allows for dynamic interaction is required. The numerical study carried this paper makes use rigid block approach implemented into in-house software tools simulate static behavior and an aggregate building. Said used reproduce results bi-axial shake-table tests were performed on building prototype as part activities organized within Adjacent Interacting Masonry Structures project, sponsored by Seismology Earthquake Engineering Research Infrastructure Alliance Europe. experimental mock-up consisted two adjacent interacting with matching layout but different height. Two models investigate seismic mock-up: 3D model allowing limit analysis one hand, 2D non-linear pushover time-history other. was built blind prediction test results, competition approaches nowadays available analysts. once data made available, deepen investigation analysis. both models, stonework idealized assemblage blocks via no-tension frictional interfaces, mathematical programming utilized solve optimization problems associated types Differences between failure mechanisms, base shears, peak ground accelerations, displacement histories discussed. Potentialities limitations adopted limit, analyses pointed basis comparisons results.