FEA of historical masonry structures using non-linear material models

Folke Hst & Carl Thelin, Tyrns

Research project

Increased use of ruins through secured masonry and comfortable climate

Tyrns together with The Gotland University, The Gotland Museum, Exners Tegnestue A/S, Byggnadshyttan Gotland and WSP Environmental AB.

Projects
Climate in ruins with respect to comfort and preservation of cultural values. Examination of firmness and status of stones and plaster in old masonry. Description and assessment of historical masonry structures as load bearing structures.

Description and assessment of historical masonry structures as load bearing structures

Research questions Efficient assessments of historical masonry structures Complex geometry of historical vault structures Uncertainties concerning materials, strengths, loads etc. Analysis models and software

Analysis method
Load transfer by compression. High compressive strength, low tensile strength. Consideration of the material non-linearity. Non-linear FEA software for unreinforced concrete structures.

Software
ATENA engineering (2D and 3D) and Abaqus standard have been used. Similar results are obtained, but handling of complex 3D geometries currently seems to be more efficient with Abaqus.

Material model
Concrete Damaged Plasticity material model in Abaqus standard. Masonry is modeled as a homogenous material without joints. A low tensile strength is used to model the effect of joints between bricks or stones (but not to low). Parameter study shows that geometry is the most important parameter.

Geometry
From the parameter study it is obvious that a correct description of the geometry is necessary. How can we import and modify complex 3D geometry in an efficient way?

Laser scan

Point cloud

Software to manage point clouds

Application Risk assessment

Application Finding damage causes

Problems often occur in one part of the structure, although the reason is found in another part.

Application Analyzing previous strengthening acts

Bad strengthening acts can have the opposite effect

Application Assessment of changes or contributions

Can new structures be applied?

Can parts be removed, permanently or temporary?

Application Assessment of changes or contributions

Can more loads be applied?

Can the load distribution be changed?

FEA skills have to be combined with:

an understanding of the principal behavior of historical masonry structures and materials experience of the problems and damages common to historical structures careful studies and documentation of the real structure respect for the great cultural values involved knowledge about restoration theory and principles common sense

Further work
Detailed material studies Efficient handling of complex 3D geometries Modelling of local ground settlements Modelling the effects of backfill on vaults More comparison of analysis results and real structures

Thank you for listening!