Dynamic modelling of masonry buildings: Storey mechanism model as a simple alternative

Abstract

The dynamic behaviour of a four-storeyed masonry building model subjected to simulated earthquake loading has been investigated. The observations of damage propagation during shaking tests indicated the storey mechanism action of model building. Since the predominant effect of the first natural mode of vibrations has been also observed, the idea of simple mathematical modelling has been followed in the calculations. Two simple analytical models have been compared when evaluating the dynamic response of the model building: a four degrees of freedom shear system and an equivalent single degree of freedom system. Three hysteresis rules have been taken into account for modelling the non-linear behaviour of the model. Satisfactory correlation between the measured and calculated response has been obtained in most cases.