In-plane seismic performance of historical masonry walls with various brick bond patterns using micro-modeling approach

Abstract

Masonry walls are the most important structural components of many magnificent historical buildings around the world. These ancient buildings are the core of tourism industry in countries and conserving them is vital. Various types of brickwork patterns of masonry walls have been observed in the existing architectural heritage. Therefore, the first aim of this study is to investigate the in-plane behavior of masonry walls with different brick bond patterns including Running, Double basketweave, 90-degree Herringbone, Spanish, Stacked and Combined stacked/running bonds, using nonlinear static analysis. The second purpose of this work is to evaluate the seismic performance of various walls as they are susceptible to damage under seismic excitations. To fulfill these aims, by using simplified micro-scale modeling technique, three-dimensional numerical models of walls were established in ABAQUS finite element package. Then, after validation of numerical models with the existed experimental data, the lateral capacity of walls was carried out under combined in-plane loads. Moreover, the seismic performance of walls was conducted by elastic demand spectrum for 475 years return period earthquake, according to the Iranian seismic code. This study found that historical walls with arbitrary brick bond patterns cannot withstand the possible seismic actions in high and very high earthquake-prone regions of Iran and just the Double basketweave bond and the Spanish bond can resist earthquakes in low and moderate seismic areas (0.2 g and 0.25 g). Hence, a sustainable retrofitting guideline for ancient masonry buildings should be planned in Iran. The results also revealed that the Double basketweave bond wall has the highest in-plane resistance among the brickwork arrangements.