AEM Publications: Conferences
Using the Applied Element Method to simulate the dynamic response of full-scale URM houses tested to collapse or near-collapse conditions
n this work, the Applied Element Method (AEM) is employed to reproduce the dynamic response of three full-scale unreinforced masonry (URM) house specimens tested on a shake-table. Two of the test...
The Applied Element Method and the modelling of both in-plane and out-of-plane response of URM walls
The Applied Element Method (AEM) is a relatively recent addition to the discrete elements methods family. Initially conceived to model blast events and concrete structures, its use in the...
Seismic Vulnerability Assessment Of “Sion Cathedral” (Switzerland): An Integrated Approach To Detect And Evaluate Local Collapse Mechanisms In Heritage Buildings
Seismic assessment of existing heritage buildings remains a challenging task. There is a high level of complexity and uncertainty compared with the assessment of standard buildings. Heritage masonry churches are usually prone to partial collapses during earthquake due to local loss of stability, and exhibit particular seismic vulnerabilities. An important step in the seismic analysis of heritage masonry buildings is the detection of local mechanisms. The Italian Building Code provides a simplified approach (LV1-churches) to assess the vulnerability of heritage churches evaluating and comparing 28 potential mechanisms. A general index of vulnerability and hierarchy between mechanisms is thereby provided. Verification of safety against local mechanisms can also be carried out using the kinematic approach. This procedure is based on evaluating the horizontal action needed to activate out-of-plane collapse mechanisms. Based on a full-scale study (Sion Cathedral), this paper evaluates the reliability of the “LV1-church” approach and of the kinematic approach through a comparison with the results obtained with a complex 3D model using the Applied Element Method.
Usefulness of ambient-vibration measurements for seismic assessment of existing structures
A large number of buildings in regions with low to medium seismic hazard have been designed without considering earthquake actions. Retrofitting of all buildings that fail to meet modern code requirements is economically, technically and environmentally unsustainable. Decision-making regarding retrofitting necessity and prioritization is complex. Ambient vibrations are non-destructive and easy to measure, and thus an attractive data source. However, ambient vibrations have very low amplitudes, which potentially lead to sensitivity to testing conditions and stiffness contributions from non-structural elements. Seismic assessment necessitates non-linear behavior extrapolation from linear measurements, which results in biased model predictions.
New Methodology of Designing for ATFP Using Modified Alternate Load Path Method
new methodology to design against disproportionate collapse is proposed for critical building that must be operational after a terrorist attack. The disproportionate collapse analysis uses the alternate...
Experimental & Analytical Alternate Load Path Analysis for Reinforced Concrete Flat Plate Systems
lternative Load Path Analysis (ALPA) is becoming the most common technique for performance based design of structures to resist disproportionate collapse. This has coincided with an increased ability of high...
Ship Impact & Nonlinear Dynamic Collapse Analysis of a Single Well Observation Platform
three-dimensional nonlinear dynamic analysis is performed for a single well observation platform. The structure consists of a single level service deck supported by three driven piles and a bracing frame....
Seismic Assessment of the Damaged Margherita Palace
he Margherita Palace is a heritage masonry structure constructed two centuries ago in L’Aquila (Italy) and extensively damaged by the strong 2009 earthquake. The palace was considered unstable and therefore...
Progressive Collapse Analysis of Existing Buildings – A Performance Based Approach
he paper describes the complexity of the seismic assessment and rehabilitation of three different existing buildings in New Zealand. The assessment was performed using Progressive Collapse Analysis. This...
Collapse Analysis of the Santo Stefano Tower
uring the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake, the tower of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, the town’s iconic symbol, collapsed to the ground. The tower was believed to have been rendered vulnerable to collapse because of...