Criteria for Establishing a Dynamic Test Loading Pattern for Masonry

This research project focuses on the evolution of the damage mechanic properties for un-reinforced masonry panels under dynamic inplane loads. A statistical determination of the evolution of the damage mechanic requires, for a ceramic material, the development of a time varying load pattern. The pattern should pass the criteria of similarity to existing patterns, provide time for the measurement of the damage evolution and bear a resemblance to the characteristics of relevant earthquake loading on realistic masonry buildings. This paper looks at the filtering process from epicentre to shear wall element. The interest lies in developing a pattern that yields a reasonable representation of the filtered event at the point of loading the panel, not at the epicentre or at a recording station. One has to make compromises in the procedure. This document is about describing the process, the analysis, the compromises and the decisions. The criteria suggested from this analysis consists of: a pattern of several frequencies, each frequency is applied for a set period at a constant amplitude, quiescent periods are allowed between load applications, differing frequencies may occur in sequence, but not concurrently and the amplitude will increase in steps with time.