Simplified Analysis of a Masonry Cross Vault Under Dynamic Actions

Dynamic tests performed on masonry cross vaults provide important information to improve the knowledge under seismic actions of these particular structural elements. Under seismic actions, curved masonry elements show a behaviour strongly influenced by several parameters (both physical and mechanical). Their structural behaviour is hard to predict due to the significant variability of the input parameters and the strong heterogeneity of these elements. Refined nonlinear models often require specific numerical calibrations of nonlinear parameters in order to assess the structural capacity of tested element. Conversely, simplified Finite Element models represent useful tools to develop a basic knowledge on the expected structural behaviour. Initial knowledge level in SERA TA blind competition favoured simple assumptions. Therefore, the main goal was to evaluate key information of a masonry vault under dynamic action: triggering and the type of damage, the most stressed areas and the threshold at which evident damage is expected. The results obtained by these preliminary analyses have been compared with the experimental tests.