REVAULTs

2023 - 2026

Seismic Eng.

Chiara Calderini

ELSA Staff

GEM Taxonomy string

MUR+ST+CLBRS/LO+CDN/HAPP:1+HHT:6.9/COM:5C/PLFR/IRI/EWMA/RM:1

2023 - 2026

Seismic Eng.

GEM Taxonomy string

MUR+ST+CLBRS/LO+CDN/HAPP:1+HHT:6.9/COM:5C/PLFR/IRI/EWMA/RM:1

REVAULTs: Response Evaluation of masonry VAULTs under pseudo-dynamic loadings

REVAULTs

MASONRY STRUCTURES

INNOVATIVE MATERIALS

Dataset Description

REVAULTs project, funded within the ERIES program of the European Commission, focuses on investigating the in-plane shear response induced by seismic actions in masonry cross vaults typically found in historic churches. To this end, pseudo-dynamic tests are conducted on a full-scale masonry specimen representing an intermediate bay of the lateral nave of a generic three-nave historic masonry church.

Historic structures

Masonry vaults

Steel Reinforced Grout (SRG)

Pseudo-dynamic testing

Hybrid testing

Seismic testing

seismic retrofit

Specimens

1. As-built structure

The full-scale specimen consists of two stone masonry walls supporting a brick masonry cross vault.

1. Seismic testing

The research team performed six pseudo-dynamic (PsD) tests on the specimen in the as-built configuration. The input accelerogram was introduced in the X direction (i.e. parallel to the walls) and was derived from the ground motion record of L’Aquila earthquake (6th of April 2009 – AQA; L’Aquila – v. Aterno – F. Aterno). To limit the overall duration of the test, only 10 s out of the 25 s total duration was used as seismic input. The accelerogram was scaled at several intensities (10%, 25%, 75%, 100%, 125%, 150%) concluding this phase of the experimental campaign once the specimen was severely damaged.

Instrumentation

The instrumentation measured the force and displacement imposed by each actuator. Additionally, displacement transducers were installed to monitor the horizontal displacement of the specimen in the vicinity of the four corners and the vertical motion of the arches at the edges of the vault. Finally, three load cells were used to monitor the axial load acting on the ties crossing the edge arches.

2. Retrofitted structure

After the tests on the As-built configuration, the specimen was retrofitted for the next experimental phase. The structural strengthening intervention involved both the intrados and extrados surfaces of the cross vault and consisted of the installation of a Steel-Reinforced Grout (SRG) system. The intervention was performed first treating the existing cracks in the cross vault by mechanically opening and subsequently sealing them at the intrados. Subsequently, a fluid grout prepared with the same mortar was poured from the extrados to ensure complete filling of the openings and to restore the continuity of the masonry. After this, the SRG strengthening system was applied to the extrados of the vault.

1. Seismic testing

After the installation of the retrofit, the experimental campaign continued performing five additional pseudo-dynamic tests. Using the same input accelerogram, its intensity was progressively increased (25%, 75%, 100%, 125%, 150%).