Non linear static analysis of masonry structures Simplified equivalent frames and accurate models

摘要

The achievement of performance-based earthquake engineering for the seismic assessment of buildings has lead to the application of a number of non-linear static procedures. Different strategies of modelling have been adopted for masonry structures; nevertheless, due to the complex non-linear behaviour of masonry panels, the choice of the appropriate model is a matter of paramount importance, as many aspects must be taken into account in order to achieve a balance among the complexity of the model itself, the computational effort and the accuracy of the obtained results. Within this framework, the equivalent frame model, despite its strong simplifications, can be considered as an effective way to predict the structural response of masonry structures, provided that the main issues of this method are carefully investigated. This paper deals with the elaboration of the software FREMA, purposely developed by the authors, aimed at predicting the force-displacement curves of masonry walls subject to in-plane forces, modelled by means of equivalent frames. The computer program herein proposed has been validated by means of a comparison with experimental and numerical results available in literature.