Project R-5958

Modelling and assessment of structural damage to masonry structures due to vibrations of moderate amplitude (Research)

Vibration induced damage to structures due to sources of moderate amplitude (construction activities, blast loading, heavy traffic, natural and man-made earthquakes,...) is subject to persisting controversy. Hindrance to residents is often accompanied by (fear of) structural damage and loss of economic value. Building contractors, permanent way owners and local authorities need guidance to plan and manage projects involving increased vibration levels. This project aims at a fundamental understanding of causal relationships between vibrations of moderate amplitude and the occurrence of structural damage to masonry structures. To this purpose, KUL-BWM, KUL-MAT and UH-CERG will join unique and complementary expertise in numerical modelling, dynamic soil-structure interaction, seismic design and building materials. The problem includes challenging aspects as source characterization, wave propagation in the soil, dynamic soil-structure interaction, and non-linear behavior of brittle construction materials, with emphasis on crack propagation and damage limitation. The higher frequency content of environmental vibrations requires a detailed description of the interaction between the masonry and structural components and between the structure and the soil. Efficient numerical techniques will therefore be developed, supported by a detailed experimental characterization of the non-linear constitutive behavior of masonry and structural details.

01 January 2015 - 31 December 2018