Nonlinear Numerical Modeling of Complex Masonry Heritage Structures Considering History-Related Phenomena in Staged Construction Analysis and Material Uncertainty in Seismic Assessment

Abstract

This paper presents the systematic use of numerical analysis as a tool for addressing some of the most common challenges encountered in the structural analysis of complex historical masonry structures, that is, the description of the effects of history-related phenomena and the uncertainty of material properties. The numerical strategy is based on the use of a constitutive model able to describe time-dependent strain accumulation, as well as damaging behavior under different stress states. This constitutive model is combined with a crack-tracking technique to represent tensile crack localization. The numerical model is applied to the study of two important monuments in Spain; the Mallorca Cathedral and the church of the Poblet Monastery. The staged construction analysis of the first case study allows for understanding the reasons of its current deformed condition, that is, critical construction process, strain accumulation given by long-term creep phenomena, and nonlinear geometric effects. The structural analysis of the second case study allows the structural diagnosis of the existing deformation and cracking patterns given by architectural alterations, insufficient buttressing of the naves, and past earthquakes. The application of a probabilistic analysis to the church of the Poblet monastery allows for considering the effects of the uncertainties of material properties and numerical parameters in the seismic vulnerability assessment.