Comparison of experimental results and numerical modelling of unreinforced load-bearing masonry structures subjected to earthquake loading

This paper presents a comparison of experimental tests results on unreinforced
load-bearing masonry structures subjected to earthquake loading with numerical predictions.
First, simple walls are submitted to cyclic and shaking table tests. Some of them include
soundproofing devices in order to investigate their influence on the general behaviour in static
and dynamic conditions. Additional walls with an opening and T-shaped walls are then tested
under cyclic loading. The study is focused on the frame effect, the contribution of the
perpendicular wall to the global strength and the efficiency of the connection. These aspects
are also studied through shaking table tests on two masonry frames with T- or L-shaped piers.
The main information is expressed in terms of force-displacement curves, mechanical
properties and energy dissipation for the cyclic tests. The shaking table tests provide results
in terms of dynamic and mechanical properties. Comparison of the results with numerical
predictions is finally performed thanks to the software TREMURI.