Dynamic identification and seismic behaviour of the Ghirlandina tower in Modena (Italy)

摘要

This paper presents a simplified vulnerability assessment method for masonry towersrntaking into account the soil-structure interaction. The soil-structure interaction model is based on in siturninvestigations, defining a detailed soil profile and the relevant mechanical parameters, aimed at capturingrnthe expected behaviour during seismic events. In particular an upper and lower soil stiffness, appropriaternfor low and high intensity seismic events have been considered, and a validation of upper values was alsornperformed throughout an identification analysis, based on vibration records of the tower. Limit analysisrnmethod was then applied to identify the collapse mechanisms geometry, under the assumption thatrnmasonry is a no-tension material. This implies that at the limit of overturning, a part of the masonry willrnremain attached to the base and a stress-free diagonal surface of fracture will form.