Optimization-based rigid block models for historical masonry structures: from limit analysis to nonlinear dynamics
Abstract
The talk presents an overview of the research activities carried out at the University of Naples in the last decade which were aimed at developing rigid block models and software tools for the analysis of historical masonry structures. In the proposed models, masonry is schematized as an assemblage of rigid blocks interacting at interfaces, for which a no-tension frictional behavior is generally assumed. Vertical and lateral loads as well as support movements are considered. Moving from rigid block models developed for limit analysis, the seminar illustrates the research path and the main concepts which inspired the development of a unified approach to rigid block modeling. The approach relies on an optimization-based formulation for nonlinear time-history analysis which is equivalent to the system of equations governing the behavior of rigid block assemblages and comprises as special cases formulations for nonlinear static and limit analysis. In order to capture the behavior of masonry with high-strength mortar joints, recent extensions of the formulations previously developed for nonlinear static analysis with no-tension interfaces to elasto-plastic cohesive interfaces with damage behavior are illustrated. The main functionalities and organization of the software tools developed on the basis of the proposed formulations for limit analysis as well as for nonlinear static and time-history analysis are also presented. Finally, applications to numerical and experimental tests from literature and to full-scale case studies are illustrated to show potentialities and computational efficiency of the developed models.
Short bio
Dr. Francesco P.A. Portioli is an Associate Professor of Structural Engineering at the University of Naples Federico II since October 2018. He received his PhD by the University of Chieti Pescara “G. D’Annunzio” in 2004, discussing a thesis on the structural behavior of masonry vaults strengthened with FRP. He served as Postdoctoral Researcher and was Assistant Professor at the University of Naples from 2004 until 2018. He is a lecturer in undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the Department of Architecture and at the School of Specialization in Architectural Heritage and Landscape in Naples. His main research interests include safety assessment methods and modeling approaches for historical masonry structures and steel structures. He is author of several papers on international journals and conference articles. He is also the author of book chapters of national and international books, dealing with life-time structural engineering and seismic retrofitting of historical masonry structures.
Sandwiches are offered at the end of the seminar.
The talk presents an overview of the research activities carried out at the University of Naples in the last decade which were aimed at developing rigid block models and software tools for the analysis of historical masonry structures. In the proposed models, masonry is schematized as an assemblage of rigid blocks interacting at interfaces, for which a no-tension frictional behavior is generally assumed. Vertical and lateral loads as well as support movements are considered. Moving from rigid block models developed for limit analysis, the seminar illustrates the research path and the main concepts which inspired the development of a unified approach to rigid block modeling. The approach relies on an optimization-based formulation for nonlinear time-history analysis which is equivalent to the system of equations governing the behavior of rigid block assemblages and comprises as special cases formulations for nonlinear static and limit analysis. In order to capture the behavior of masonry with high-strength mortar joints, recent extensions of the formulations previously developed for nonlinear static analysis with no-tension interfaces to elasto-plastic cohesive interfaces with damage behavior are illustrated. The main functionalities and organization of the software tools developed on the basis of the proposed formulations for limit analysis as well as for nonlinear static and time-history analysis are also presented. Finally, applications to numerical and experimental tests from literature and to full-scale case studies are illustrated to show potentialities and computational efficiency of the developed models.
Short bio
Dr. Francesco P.A. Portioli is an Associate Professor of Structural Engineering at the University of Naples Federico II since October 2018. He received his PhD by the University of Chieti Pescara “G. D’Annunzio” in 2004, discussing a thesis on the structural behavior of masonry vaults strengthened with FRP. He served as Postdoctoral Researcher and was Assistant Professor at the University of Naples from 2004 until 2018. He is a lecturer in undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the Department of Architecture and at the School of Specialization in Architectural Heritage and Landscape in Naples. His main research interests include safety assessment methods and modeling approaches for historical masonry structures and steel structures. He is author of several papers on international journals and conference articles. He is also the author of book chapters of national and international books, dealing with life-time structural engineering and seismic retrofitting of historical masonry structures.
Sandwiches are offered at the end of the seminar.
Practical information
- Informed public
- Free
Organizer
- Prof. Olga Fink (IMOS), Prof. Alexandre Alahi (VITA), Prof. Dusan Licina (HOBEL), Prof. Alain Nussbaumer (RESSLab)
Contact
- Katrin Beyer