Dynamic Characteristics and Seismic Response Analysis of Brick-Stone Hybrid Pagoda Structures

The variation in masonry materials along the height of brick-stone hybrid pagoda, its mechanical properties become more complex compared to the pagoda made from a single type of masonry. This study examines the dynamic performance and seismic resilience of the Wukong pagoda in China. Finite element software Abaqus was used to create detailed numerical models of the pagoda structure with brick, stone, and brick-stone hybrid masonry configurations. The seismic response of the three models was compared in terms of acceleration, inter-story deformation, and damage. Results show that tensile stresses are concentrated at the interfaces between masonry blocks and mortar in all models. Tensile cracking and damage occur at the mortar joints at the base of the stone masonry in the stone and the brick-stone hybrid pagodas, while the brick pagoda shows diagonal cracking at the opening corners. The brick-stone hybrid pagoda demonstrates reduced acceleration amplification effects at the brick-stone interface, lowering the upper structure's acceleration response. Notably, it exhibits minimal inter-story displacement and plastic strain damage, indicating superior seismic resistance compared to the single-material pagodas.