MECHANICS OF MASONRY STRUCTURES

The course consists in 93 hours, 9 CFU, 28 hours of lectures, 65 hours of exercise

The theoretical topics of the course are developed during the lectures.

During the practice hours, the experimental aspects of the determination of the mechanical properties of masonry are dealt with, also through a visit to the Official Materials Testing Laboratory of the University of Catania. Finite Element modelling of a masonry buildings proposed by the students, individually or in groups of a maximum of three components, is also developed. Students are guided all the way from geometric and material modelling to calculation and verification, both in the static, linear and nonlinear field, and in the linear dynamic field. In particular, a static analysis for dead loads, the calculation of frequencies and vibration modes, modal analysis with response spectrum, and the non-linear static analysis according to current Italian regulations are carried out.
Finally, exercises are carried out in order to pass the scheduled in ongoing tests.

Passing the exam results in the acquisition of 9 CFU.

Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it.

Solids Mechanics

Dynamics of structures with applications to earthquake engineering

Attendance is recommended. During the lectures, ongoing tests are carried out. A case study is developed, designed to train and to the final evaluation.

SCHEDULE OF LESSONS: http://www.dicar.unict.it/corsi/lm-23-geo/orario-lezioni

1. MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF MASONRY

2. MECHANICAL BEHAVIOUR OF HYSTORIC MASONRY STRUCTURES

3. ITALIAN AND EUROPEAN STANDARDS FOR THE DESIGN OF MASONRY STRUCTURES

4. LOCAL AND GLOBAL BEHAVIOUR OF MASONRY STRUCTURES

6. MODELING AND ANALYSIS OF MASONRY STRUCTURES

7. ARCHES 

SUPPLEMENTARY TOPICS I: STRUCTURAL DAMAGE

SUPPLEMENTARY TOPICS II: TRADITIONAL AND INNOVATIVE STRUCTURAL RETROFITTING TECHNIQUES 

Textbook

Michele Vinci, Metodi di calcolo e tecniche di consolidamento per edifici in muratura - Flaccovio Editore, III Ed., 2022.

Italian and European standards

1. NTC 2018 - Norme Tecniche per le Costruzioni
2. CIRCOLARE 21 gennaio 2019, n. 7 C.S.LL.PP. Istruzioni per l'applicazione dell'«Aggiornamento delle "Norme tecniche per le costruzioni"»
3. Eurocode 6

The examination includes the development of a report on Finite Element modeling, analysis and strength and stability assessment  of an existing masonry building.  Oral interview that focuses on the theoretical topics covered during the lessons.

The ongoing tests carried out during the course of the lessons are also evaluated.

Registering for an exam session is mandatory and must be made exclusively via the internet through the student portal within the prescribed period. http://portalestudente.unict.it/portalestudente

Verification of learning can also be carried out via web, should the conditions require it.

ONGOING TESTS

Determination of the compressive and shear failure domains of a masonry septum
Determination of the collapse multiplier of a simple masonry section using the kinematic method
Determination of the thrust curve in a masonry arch. Verification by the Mery method.

ORAL EXAMINATION

Types of masonry equipment
Construction characteristics of historical masonry
Types of degradation and damage due to construction defects and environmental and seismic actions
Mechanical properties of masonry
Experimental determination of the mechanical properties of masonry
Strength criteria for masonry
The Not-Resisting-Tension (NRT) material material model
Crisis domains of masonry panels for compression and shear
Collapse mechanisms of walls and masonry portions. Calculation of the collapse multiplier.
Statics of arches.
Structural analysis methods for masonry structures (static, linear dynamic, non-linear static, non-linear dynamic analysis)
Modelling methods for masonry structures
Techniques and interventions for the consolidation of masonry walls, foundations, floors and roofs