Experimental investigation on the seismic behaviour of new concrete block masonry buildings

Abstract

The present work deals with the experimental validation of a new structural solution for concrete block masonry buildings. Dynamic tests of two identical two-­story concrete block masonry models were performed on a shaking table in reduced scale 1:2, with focus on the global behavior. Both models were tested in the two orthogonal horizontal components with uncorrelated artificial accelerograms compatible with the elastic response spectrum defined by Eurocode 8. The first model was tested in reinforced conditions following the same code, while the second building was tested as an unreinforced solution. The identification of the dynamic properties using modal analysis (based on input-­output techniques) as well as the seismic evaluation of both buildings is presented. In the experimental tests, various input motions with incremental amplitude were implemented. The damage identification through stiffness degradation is studied. Furthermore, the experimental analysis encompasses parameters as the cracking patterns with consequence collapse mechanisms. In-­plane and out of plane behavior in terms of displacements and lateral drifts are discussed. Findings related to the global dynamic behavior and comparisons between the results of the two buildings are also presented.