Impact loading analysis of an earthen masonry structure using finite element methods

Abstract

Throughout the years, historical monuments have been at risk from natural and man-made causes. Impact loading analysis plays an important role in structural engineering and is one of the risks to existing construction, whether being through partial collapses, vehicle crashes, or historical or modern-day warfare. This case study analyses the local response of a wall portion of the Torre de la Vela, a rammed earth tower within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Alhambra, Grenada, under impact loading. For this case study, the wall section of the tower was modelled with finite element methods (FEM) using different modelling approaches: using a continuum model, using a continuum model with removal of damaged elements, and using a contact element model. The Concrete Damage Plasticity (CDP) material model was adopted for the rammed earth structure. Different impactors were considered, including a cannonball with properties from the 16th and 17th centuries. The effect of impulsive loading on the material properties was accounted for using existing dynamic increase factors. The problem was solved using the explicit dynamic analysis available in Abaqus/Explicit. The different modelling strategies were compared and discussions on the use of different approaches were raised.