Limit Analysis and Seismic Performance of Mortar‐Bonded and ECC Layered Masonry Arches

ABSTRACT Static limit analysis is one of the primary methods for analyzing the failure of masonry arch vaults. The limit analysis method for masonry arch was initially developed for gravity load analysis of the masonry arch vaults and later extended for lateral dynamic loads. The limit analysis theory neglects any tensile strength at the joints of the blocks. However, this assumption is not true for all types of arches, especially mortar‐bonded arches and continuous cohesive arches. In the current study, the shake table experiments were conducted on small‐scale masonry bonded arches, and their behavior was simulated in the finite element (FE) environment. The reinforced arch vaults with Engineered Cementitious composite (ECC) were also tested on the shake table, and their performance was found to be significantly improved in dynamic lateral loads. Taking into consideration the behavior of the experimental and FE models, the current theory of limit analysis for masonry arch vaults was modified for mortar bonded arch with finite tensile strength. The limit loads derived from the formulation and the limit loads obtained from analyzing the FE model showed a strong agreement in their results. Limit load analysis was also performed for the ECC reinforced arch, and the results showed a significant increase in the lateral load‐carrying capacity of the ECC reinforced arch.