ANALYSIS OF METAL CONNECTOR’S EFFECT ON SEISMIC RESISTANCE OF DRY STONE-MASONRY STRUCTURES

Abstract

In this work, numerical investigations of the behaviour of dry stone masonry structures, reinforced with metal connectors (clamps and dowels), were performed by the finite-discrete element model for strengthened dry-stone masonry structures. The geometrical and material model of the metal connectors were developed and implemented into the finite-discrete element model in order to analyse the influence of the connectors to strengthening capacity of the structure. The yielding and extracting of the connectors (clamps and dowels) from the holes were represented by experimental force-displacement curves, obtained by testing the samples composed of two stone blocks connected with clamps or dowels. An incremental dynamic analysis up to the structural failure was applied in order to determine failure mechanisms and collapse load. The results were compared to those obtained for unreinforced structures. The results show the performance of the applied model in simulation of the behaviour of historical monuments, composed of stone blocks with dry joints and connectors, in the dynamic regime. The model is complex and time consuming, but it can be useful for making decisions related to reconstruction and increasing the earthquake resistance of the historical buildings.