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Eingeladener Vortrag
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Ziel der vorliegenden Untersuchung war es zu überprüfen, inwiefern eine Bemessungsvorschrift auf Basis von Teilsicherheitsbeiwerten im Lehmmauerwerksbau möglich ist. Bemessungsvorschriften im konventionellen Mauerwerksbau und im Lehmmauerwerksbau waren aufgrund des prinzipiell gleichen Tragverhaltens stets eng miteinander verknüpft. Die im Rahmen dieser Arbeit durchgeführten Druckversuche an Lehmmauermörtel, Lehmsteinen und Lehmmauerwerk konnten zeigen, dass die Streuungen der Festigkeiten von Lehmbaustoffen aufgrund der industriellen Herstellung sehr gering sind. Es konnte festgestellt werden, dass eine Bemessung auf Grundlage des semiprobabilistischen Bemessungskonzeptes in Anlehnung an den konventionellen Mauerwerksbau möglich ist. Neben einem ersten Vorschlag des Teilsicherheitsbeiwertes für den Lastzustand Druck werden Vorschläge für Prüfvorschriften im Lehmbau beziehungsweise deren Modifikation unterbreitet und künftige Forschungsschwerpunkte herausgearbeitet.
Ziel der Untersuchungen war es, das Verhalten von Verpressankern zu analysieren, die üblicherweise zur Verstärkung der Eckverbindung von Mauerwerkswänden eingesetzt werden. Im Fokus der Untersuchungen stand die Leistungsfähigkeit der Ankersysteme mit Bezug auf die Versagensarten und auf dem Traglastvermögen der Anker bei Ankerauszug durch gleichförmige Zugbelastung, die als Vereinfachung für die dynamische Belastung durch ein Erdbeben aufgebracht wurde. Die hier dargestellten Untersuchungen und Ergebnisse stellen eine Zusammenfassung von Arbeiten dar, über die bereits in Beiträgen berichtet wurde, die zum einen die Prüfverfahren für verstärkte Eckverbindungen von Gebäuden aus Mauerwerk und zum anderen die Verbundfestigkeit von Verpressankern in Wänden aus verschiedenen Lehmbautechniken zum Inhalt hatten. Sie geben dennoch einen Überblick über die Hauptversagensmechanismen von Verpressankersystemen und erweitern den Wissensstand bezüglich der Prüfung von Ankersystemen für Ziegel- und Lehmsteinmauerwerk. Darüber hinaus wird eine Vorgehensweise vorgeschlagen, die es ermöglicht, die Traglast von Verpressankern auf Basis experimenteller Untersuchungen abzuschätzen.
UHPC-AAC/CLC composite panels with self-cleaning properties. Materials and production technology
(2016)
The aim of this study is to show the development of a façade composite panel combining either an autoclaved aerated concrete or a cellular lightweight concrete insulation layer with a box-type external ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) supporting layer. The paper presents the materials characteristics of the different components and the production technology of the panel. The efficiency of surface modifications of the materials forming the external shell of the panel is reported. The activation of self-cleaning properties is described. The test results showed that the most efficient way to use the water-repellent agent is its application on the substrate before the concrete cast. Concerning the production technology, the preliminary studies showed more advantages of a twostep manufacturing procedure of the UHPC boxes than a one-step procedure.
UHPC-AAC/CLC composite panels with self-cleaning properties. Materials and production technology
(2016)
The aim of this study is to show the development of a façade composite panel combining either an autoclaved aerated concrete or a cellular lightweight concrete insulation layer with a box-type external ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) supporting layer. The paper presents the materials characteristics of the different components and the production technology of the panel. The efficiency of surface modifications of the materials forming the external shell of the panel is reported. The activation of self-cleaning properties is described. The test results showed that the most efficient way to use the water-repellent agent is its application on the substrate before the concrete cast.
Concerning the production technology, the preliminary studies showed more advantages of a two-step manufacturing procedure of the UHPC boxes than a one-step procedure.
The inelastic torsional response of an asymmetric-plan hospital building is studied. The response of the structure in the time domain as recorded by highly sensitive sensor network, integrated by a data acquisition system. The identification was performed using techniques of modal extraction in the frequency domain (frequency Domain decomposition). A calibration process was applied in order to identify a reliable structural model to be used for the seismic vulnerability assessment of the hospital building. In particular, a nonlinear static procedure accounting for mass distribution, higher modes contribution and mode-shapes correlation was proposed for the estimation of the seismic response of irregular buildings. Finally, the influence of lateral force distribution, node control during pushover and accidental eccentricity is investigated.
Structural performances of earthen building materials. A comparison between different typologies
(2011)
Traditional construction techniques utilizing earthen materials are often seen as inferior compared to modern ways of building. Structural earthen elements are perceived as vulnerable towards environmental influences (moisture, frost) and in particular towards the load scenarios during earthquakes. In comparison to the recent advances in research on stone and brick masonry, knowledge on the structural performance of earthen building construction is limited and scattered. Consequently the confidence in the performance of these earthen buildings constructed in the traditional techniques during earthquakes is fairly low. The research presented here aims to make a comparison of mechanical behavior between different earth masonry material typologies, consisting of earth block masonry, rammed earth and cob. The paper has been developed in the framework of a larger research program called NIKER. BAM and other seventeen research partners from the Mediterrean area are jointly involved to develop and validate innovative materials and technologies for the systemic improvement of the seismic behavior of Cultural Heritage assets
Structural performances of earthen building materials. A comparison between different typologies
(2011)
An experimental investigation was carried out to study the in-plane shear behaviour of rammed earth structural elements strengthened with polyester fabric strips. The original idea for the retrofitting with polyester fabric strips was to introduce a vertical element for walls in order to take up horizontal loads resulting in a shear response of the building element. It has to be considered that vertical slits into the walls for fixing the strips are points of weakness and have to be mitigated by the adhesive. In this case a base coat mortar was employed. Strengthened elements were tested to exploit the strength potential of earthen materials and to solve its lack of tensile strength, significantly improving not only strength but also ductility. As part of the study results of a testing campaign of unstrengthened structural elements were considered. Strengthened elements were tested in diagonal compression/shear and cyclic shear-compression. A unique reinforcement orientation was used. The results of these tests are presented in this paper and include the load-displacement behaviours, crack patterns, failure modes. The results showed that the reinforcement was the most effective under cyclic shear-compression tests, with increase in load and displacement capacity observed. Under diagonal compression the reinforcement did not likely contribute significantly to the shear resistance, due to a lack of embedment length of the strips.
An experimental investigation was carried out to study the in-plane shear behaviour of rammed earth structural elements strengthened with polyester fabric strips. The original idea for the retrofitting with polyester fabric strips was to introduce a vertical element for walls in order to take up horizontal loads resulting in a shear response of the building element. It has to be considered that vertical slits into the walls for fixing the strips are points of weakness and have to be mitigated by the adhesive. In this case a base coat mortar was employed. Strengthened elements were tested to exploit the strength potential of earthen materials and to solve its lack of tensile strength, significantly improving not only strength but also ductility. As part of the study results of a testing campaign of unstrengthened structural elements were considered. Strengthened elements were tested in diagonal compression/shear and cyclic shear-compression. A unique reinforcement orientation was used. The results of these tests are presented in this paper and include the load-displacement behaviours, crack patterns, failure modes. The results showed that the reinforcement was the most effective under cyclic shear-compression tests, with increase in load and displacement capacity observed. Under diagonal compression the reinforcement did not likely contribute significantly to the shear resistance, due to a lack of embedment length of the strips.
In the last decades it has been necessary to face emergencies due to big crisis events caused by anthropic and natural events. In particular modern technological Systems have reached such a high level of complexity that even a simple event can influence correct behavior with potential catastrophic consequences. The security and economy of technologically developed countries depends on the correct behavior of this infrastructure and on the continuity of the Services that they grant.
In this framework, risk management assumes an important role focusing on policies for vulnerability reduction and after-crisis management. It imposes a multidisciplinary and transnational approach in Order to establish a common strategy between different countries, studying how to be prepared for disasters and prevent disaster damage. In this paper a preliminary analysis of risk categories is presented, suggesting a number of tentative proposals for risk reduction.
The paper presents an experimental program aiming at assessing the mechanical performance of rammed earth walls, namely under compression and shear loading. Axial compression and diagonal compression tests were carried out for this purpose, which allowed determining important mechanical parameters, such as compressive strength, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, shear strength and shear modulus. Furthermore, it allowed assessing the level of non-linear behaviour of the respective stress–strain relationships as well as the failure modes. The experimental results were then used in the calibration of numerical models (finite element method) for simulating the non-linear behaviour of rammed earth under shear loading. Both macro- and micro modelling approaches were considered for this purpose. The total strain rotating crack model was used to simulate the behaviour of the rammed earth material, while the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion was used to simulate the behaviour of interfaces between layers. In general, the numerical models achieved good agreement with the experimental results, but uncertainties related to the definition of the input parameters required to perform a sensitivity analysis. The compressive strength, the Poisson's ratio, the tensile strength and the tensile fracture energy revealed to be the most important parameters in the analyses.
In this paper an extensive research campaign aimed to define the mechanical performance of earth block masonry panels is presented. Uniaxial compression and diagonal compression tests were performed. The test results confirmed the brittle behaviour of earth block masonry under uniaxial compressive load and showed that the failure of earth block masonry under shear load occurs by sliding of the earth blocks along the mortar joints after initial cracking in mortar joints and earth blocks. For diagonal compression test results showed that building technique practice is one of the key factors affecting the structural performances. Experimental behaviour was modelled with a non-linear model capable of describing cracking behaviour. Both micro-modelling and macro-modelling implementing isotropic or orthotropic material laws were used to assess the reliability of different modelling strategies. The model calibration was carried out by sensibility analysis of the input parameters to understand the influence of unit strength on the shear behaviour of masonry.
The aim of this paper is to implement a numerical model to reproduce the nonlinear behavior of cob walls under shear loading.
Axial compression, pull-off, and diagonal compression tests were carried out to derive the mechanical parameters. In addition, the stressstrain relationships, the nonlinear behavior, and the failure modes were defined. The experimental results were then used to calibrate a finiteelement model. The material behavior was simulated through a macromodeling approach adopting the total strain rotating crack model.
A sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the effects of varying the parameters with higher uncertainty on the structural behavior.
The numerical model achieved good correspondence with the experimental results in terms of simulation of the shear stress–shear strain relationship and of damage pattern.
The paper investigates the dynamic characterisation along with the numerical model tuning and the seismic risk assessment of a monumental masonry tower in Italy namely the Santa Maria a Vico bell tower. Full-scale ambient vibration tests were performed under the impact of environmental loads. The technique of modal extraction in the frequency domain was applied. In-situ investigation survey was used in calibrating the refined 3D finite element model. The FEM tuning was carried out by varying the mechanical parameters and accounting for the restraint offered by the neighbouring buildings and the role of soil–structure interaction. The paper shows that the modal identification is a reliable technique that can be used in-situ for assessing the dynamic behaviour of monumental buildings. The tuned FEM model of the tower was usefully employed to determine the theoretical fundamental frequencies, which accurately fit the experiment data. Finally, the seismic performance of the bell tower was assessed using a non-linear static procedure based on the multi-modal pushover analysis and the capacity spectrum method. The results confirm that seismic events of moderate intensity can produce heavy damage to the masonry tower presented in this study.
The paper investigates the dynamic characterisation along with the numerical model tuning and the seismic risk assessment of a monumental masonry tower in Italy namely the Santa Maria a Vico bell tower. Full-scale ambient vibration tests were performed under the impact of environmental loads. The technique of modal extraction in the frequency domain was applied. In-situ investigation survey was used in calibrating the refined 3D finite element model. The FEM tuning was carried out by varying the mechanical parameters and accounting for the restraint offered by the neighbouring buildings and the role of soil–structure interaction. The paper shows that the modal identification is a reliable technique that can be used in-situ for assessing the dynamic behaviour of monumental buildings. The tuned FEM model of the tower was usefully employed to determine the theoretical fundamental frequencies, which accurately fit the experiment data. Finally, the seismic performance of the bell tower was assessed using a non-linear static procedure based on the multi-modal pushover analysis and the capacity spectrum method. The results confirm that seismic events of moderate intensity can produce heavy damage to the masonry tower presented in this study.
This study analyses the mechanical behaviour under pseudo-dynamic loading of structural elements built in rammed earth and strengthened with polyester fabric strips. This strengthening technique was developed to exploit the strength potential of rammed earth and to solve its lack of tensile strength. For this reason, in-plane cyclic tests were carried out to investigate the shear behaviour of unstrengthened and strengthened walls. The strengthening technique requires low-tech equipment and workmanship, uses readily available, not expensive and industrially standardised materials. The experimental results were analysed in terms of stiffness degradation, energy dissipation capacity and equivalent viscous damping. Although the unstrengthened and strengthened walls confirmed a limited ductile behaviour, the findings confirm that the strengthening contributes to limit the spread of the diagonal cracks and provide an increase of strength in terms of horizontal load and displacement capacity.
In this paper results of the experimental testing performed on brick masonry and earth block masonry are presented. The paper outlines the development of the testing procedures for two different types of anchors. For this purpose, two experimental campaigns of pull-out tests on masonry corner connections strengthened by metallic rod grouted were carried out. Experimental results proved that the implemented testing procedures are suitable to determine the most recurring failure modes of the anchor pins. Moreover, a procedure is proposed to estimate the capacity of grouted anchor pins based on experimental studies.
In the beginning of the 1980s earth building has undergone a renaissance, which nowadays leads to an increasing use of load-bearing earth constructions and in particular, earth block masonry. At present, there are no common structural standards according to the semi-probabilistic design concept, which is the state-of-the-art in European standards.
A solid database is needed for the determination of the partial safety factor on the resistance side. Therefore, compressive strength tests were carried out with two types of earth blocks and two types of prefabricated earth mortar. The evaluation showed that the variation of the compressive strength was remarkably less than expected, which seems to indicate high quality standards of the components earth block and mortar with regard to industrial production.
On the basis of these results and together with the reliability method, a partial safety factor for earth block masonry subjected to compression was determined. The main aim of the research was the development of a first valid database for material parameters of earth block masonry with particular regard to statistical characteristics. The results showed that a common calculation method for earth block masonry based on partial safety factors following the valid masonry construction standard is feasible.
Overview of different strengthening techniques applied on walls used in historical structures
(2012)
Der Beitrag präsentiert einen Vergleich zwischen verschiedenen numerischen Modellierungsansätzen die dazu dienen sollen, das flächige Verhalten von Stampflehmwänden, genauer unter axialer, diagonaler und zyklischer Scherkraftbelastung zu simulieren.
Im ersten Teil der Studie werden die mechanischen Eigenschaften der Wandscheiben, die unter einachsiger und diagonaler Druckbelastung getestet wurde und der Wände, die in flächigen, zyklischen Scherkraftbelastung getestet wurden, dargestellt. Die Ergebnisse werden verwendet, um die Finite Elemente Simulation anzuwenden und zu bewerten. Die numerische Modellierung der getesteten Stampflehmproben
wird dann im zweiten Teil diskutiert. Ein nichtlineares Materialgesetz basierend auf dem Gesamtdehnungsrissmodell (total strain rotating crack model – TSRCM) wurde, wie durch die Software DIANA® verwendet, angesetzt. Ziel dieser hier präsentierten numerischen Analyse ist es, das Verhalten von Stampflehm unter verschiedenen Lasteinflüssen
zu simulieren. Für die Wandscheiben wurden Versuche unter linearer Last, sowohl in Makro- als auch Mikromodellansätze für die Simulation der experimentellen Versuche gewählt. Für die Wände, welche zyklischer Belastung ausgesetzt waren, wurden nur die Mikromodellansätze für die Simulation der experimentellen Versuche gewählt. Das betreffende FEM Modell wurde mit den experimentellen Ergebnissen kalibriert. Die Stampflehmlagen wurden mit durchgehenden Elementen, die Kontaktflächen zwischen den Lagen mit Oberflächenelementen repräsentiert.
Dieser Ansatz erlaubte die Bewertung des Einflusses der auftretenden Schwächung in den Oberflächen zwischen den Lagen auf das Scherverhalten des Stampflehms. Ziel der numerischen Simulation von zyklischen Versuchen war es, die Eignung allgemeiner Analysemethoden (z. B. für Mauerwerk) für die Analyse von Stampflehm einzuführen und anzuwenden. Stampflehm zeigt brüchige Eigenschaften vergleichbar zu Mauerwerksbaustoffen und wird in geometrischen Formen, wie Wänden, genutzt, die im Mauerwerk üblich sind.
ln this paper a modelling approach is presented to reproduce the mechanical behaviour of sandwich panels via finite element analysis. Two types of panels were investigated in this scope of work. The first sandwich element was a textile reinforced concrete (TRC) panel with cellular lightweight concrete insulation and the second configuration was an ultra-high performances concrete (UHPC) panel with aerated autoclaved concrete insulation. The goal was to obtain a reliable numerical strategy that represents a reasonable compromise in terms of sufficient accuracy of the element characteristics and the computational costs. The results show the possibility of describing the composite action in a full sandwich panel. The achieved modelling approach will later be used for the optimization of TRC and UHPC panels in terms of minimizing the thickness, identifying the number and location of connectors, as well as evaluating varying anchorage Systems.
The paper presents a comparison between two different numerical modelling approaches aimed to simulate the in-plain behaviour of rammed earth walls, namely under axial, diagonal and cyclic shearcompression loading. In the first part of the study the mechanical characterisation of wallets tested under uniaxial compression and diagonal compression and walls tested under in-plane cyclic shear-compression loading is presented. The results were used to implement and validate the finite element simulations.
The numerical modelling of the rammed earth samples tested is then discussed in the second part. A non-linear constitutive law based on the total strain rotating crack model (TSRCM) was employed as implemented in the DIANA® software. The aim of the numerical analyses presented here is to simulate the behaviour of rammed earth under different inplane loading conditions. For the wallets, tests under static loading both macro- and micro-modelling
approaches were considered for the simulation of the experimental tests. For the walls subjected to cyclic loading only the micro-modelling approach was applied for the simulation of the experimental tests.
The respective FEM model was calibrated with the experimental results. The rammed earth layers were represented by continuum elements, the contact surfaces between layers by interface elements. This approach allowed assessing the influence of the apparent weakness of the interfaces between layers on the shear behaviour of rammed earth.
The goal of the numerical simulation of the cyclic tests was to establish the adequacy of common analytical methods (e. g. used for masonry) applied to the analysis of rammed earth. Rammed earth exhibits brittle characteristics similar to masonry materials and is used in geometrical typologies, such as walls, common in masonry construction.
The intensive use of earth as a building material since ancient times resulted in an important and significant earthen built heritage currently existing worldwide spread. The rammed earth technique has a significant presence in this heritage, where it served to build from simple dwell-ings to fortresses. However, the high vulnerability of rammed earth constructions to decay agents and to seismic events puts in risk their further existence and the lives of millions of peo-ple. With respect to the seismic behaviour of rammed earth walls, the understanding and mod-elling of their shear behaviour are topics underdeveloped in the bibliography. Nevertheless, these topics are of extreme importance in the preservation and strengthening of rammed earth constructions. Therefore, this paper presents a numerical work aiming at modelling the non-linear behaviour of unstabilised rammed earth under shear loading, resorting to the finite ele-ments method (FEM). The models were used to simulate the behaviour of a set of rammed earth wallets tested under diagonal compression. Both macro- and micro-modelling approach-es were considered, where the objective of this last approach was to evaluate the influence of apparent weakness of the interfaces between layers on the shear behaviour. The total strain ro-tating crack model (TSCRM) was used to simulate the behaviour of the rammed earth material, while the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion was used to simulate the behaviour of interfaces be-tween layers. Furthermore, uncertainties related to the definition of the input parameters re-quired performing a sensitivity analysis. The numerical models achieved good agreement with the experimental results and the compressive strength, the Poisson’s ratio, the tensile strength and the tensile fracture energy revealed to be the most important parameters in the analyses.
In diesem Beitrag werden numerische Analysen der mechanischen Eigenschaften von Lehmsteinmauerwerk unter Druck- und Schubbeanspruchung vorgestellt. Ergebnisse von einachsigen Druck- und Schubversuchen an Wandprüfkörpern lieferten dafür grundlegende mechanische Kennwerte im elastischen Bereich und im nichtelastischen Versagenszustand.Die Testergebnisse zeigten, dass verschiedene Vorlasten keinen wesentlichen Einfluss auf die Schubfestigkeit haben. Außerdem bestätigten die Ergebnisse das spröde Verhalten von Lehmsteinmauerwerk unter einachsiger Druckbelastung und es zeigte sich, dass das Versagen des Lehmsteinmauerwerks unter Scherbelastung entlang der Mörtelfugen erfolgt.
Die experimentellen Ergebnisse wurden verwendet, um das Verhalten von Lehmsteinmauerwerk durch nichtlineare Finite-Elemente-Methoden auf der Basis von Makro- und Mikro-Modellierungsansätzen zu simulieren. Entsprechendes konstitutives Materialverhalten und Zwängungen, die in den Versuchen durch die Art der Lasteinleitung in Form von Stahlprofilen und Stahlschuhen verursacht wurden, wurde in den Modellen berücksichtigt. Es wurde zuerst ein auf der Grundlage der experimentellen Daten kalibriertes Makro-Modell entwickelt, was zu einer brauchbaren Vorhersage des Versagensverhaltens der Mauerwerksprüfkörper führte. Die simulierten Spannungs-Dehnungs-Kurven, berechnet unter einachsiger Druckbelastung, zeigten eine gute Übereinstimmung mit den Ergebnissen der geprüften Mauerwerkskörper, sowohl im elastischen als auch im nichtelastischen Bereich. Ein vereinfachter Ansatz, basierend auf der Makro-Modellierung und einem homogenisierten Prüfkörper, kann für die Untersuchung größerer Tragsysteme oder ganzer Gebäude angewendet werden, wobei eine zufriedenstellende Genauigkeit bei geringerem Rechenaufwand erreicht wird. Obwohl das globale Spannungs-Dehnungs-Verhalten zufriedenstellend wiedergegeben wurde, ist ein solches nichtlineares isotropes Kontinuumsmodell für Lehmsteinmauerwerk nicht in vollem Umfang geeignet, um das bei den Versuchen beobachtete Rissbild an den Prüfkörpern zu simulieren.
Eine detailliertere Analyse des mechanischen Verhaltensdes Mauerwerks wurde mit einem Mikro-Modellierungsansatz durchgeführt. Das Modell, in dem ein Wandabschnitt nicht mehr homogenisiert, sondern in konkrete Stein- und Fugenelemente diskretisiert wird, hat sich insbesondere für das Verhalten von Lehmsteinmauerwerk unter Schubbeanspruchung als geeignet erwiesen. Die Auswertung der Spannungsverteilungen bei der nichtlinearen Analyse lieferte Informationen über die tatsächlichen Mechanismen der Lastübertragung zwischen Steinen und Mörtelfugen. Mit dem Mikro-Modell war es möglich, das nichtlineare Verhalten von Lehmsteinmauerwerk vorherzusagen. Es stellt somit ein geeignetes Werkzeug für die Untersuchung der Versagensmechanismen von Lehmsteinmauerwerk dar. Allerdings sind aufgrund der Komplexität des Modells für die Beschreibung der Stein/Mörtel-Schnittstelle und die hohe Anzahl an erforderlichen mechanischen Parametern umfassendere Untersuchungen notwendig. Die zukünftige Forschung wird sich daher einerseits auf die Verfeinerung der numerischen Modelle und andererseits auf die Simulation komplexer Belastungssituationen und Gebäudekomponenten konzentrieren.
The characterization of the mechanical properties and behaviour of adobe masonry is fundamental for the understanding of the structural behaviour of adobe constructions. Thus, in the last decades, experimental studies focused on this topic have been carried out by different authors. Many of the existing experimental works, however, were carried out aiming to support broader studies focused on the seismic behaviour of adobe constructions and are not very detailed. Moreover, authors tend to adopt different procedures in their experimental work, since there are few indications in existing standards for testing adobe masonry. The wide variety in materials used, both for the adobes and mortars, further complicates this work, making it difficult to compare results obtained in different studies. This chapter provides an overview of the indications given by standards and other technical recommendations for the mechanical testing of adobe masonry. It presents a review of existing research on the mechanical behaviour of adobe masonry, addressing studies that focus on: (i) compression behaviour, (ii) shear behaviour, (iii) joint shear behaviour. It provides a global analysis of the existing knowledge, suggesting improvements for normative documents and identifying future Research needs.
The mechanical characterization of adobe bricks is an important first step in the study of the behaviour of adobe masonry. For this reason, in the last decades, different authors have conducted research on the mechanical behaviour of adobes from various regions of the world. Despite the importance of mechanical characterization, there are still only a few standards and normative documents with clear indications for the mechanical testing of earthen materials and, in general, These indications are not thorough and vary among different countries. Consequently, authors tend to adopt different types of test specimens and procedures in their experimental work, thus obtaining results that are not directly comparable. The fact that the materials and procedures traditionally used are also not standardized,varying greatly from region to region, also contributes to the difficulty of comparing results from different studies. This chapter presents a review of the indications provided by codes, standards and other technical recommendations for the mechanical testing of adobe bricks, as well as a detailed review of procedures adopted, and results obtained by different authors regarding the mechanical characterization of traditional adobe bricks. This chapter focuses, in particular, on the behaviour of adobe bricks when subjected to simple compression. It provides an overview of the existing knowledge and identifies needs for future research and development.
Earth represents one of the oldest construction materials, which is still utilised both in developed and in developing countries. In this paper a comparison of the mechanical performance of structural elements built in three basic techniques, earth block (adobe) masonry, rammed earth and cob, is presented. In order to gain better knowledge on the structural behaviour under static loads an extensive compression and diagonal compression (shear) test campaign was performed. First compression results showed brittle mechanical behaviour in the case of earth block masonry and rammed earth elements, whereas cob exhibited a very different stress–strain pattern: cob can deform beyond the elastic range with a gradual drop in capacity. Despite its low compressive strength, cob thus presents a relatively good performance within the earthen material range as far as shear behaviour is concerned.
The data here reported represents a base for a further investigation on the dynamic behaviour of the three materials considered. The study was carried out within the framework of the project NIKER funded by the European Commission dealing with improving immovable Cultural Heritage assets against the risk of earthquakes.
Emissions of building materials might have negative impact on human health and well-being. In the EU-funded research project H-House more than 30 natural materials (earthen dry boards and plasters, bio-based insulation materials made of wood, flax, reed, straw, etc.) used for renovation and refurbishment were tested regarding emissions of VOC, formaldehyde and radon. Different to ordinary emission tests on single materials this study focuses on the emissions from complete wall assemblies. Therefore, specially designed test chambers were used allowing the compounds to release only from the surface of the material facing indoors. The testing parameters were chosen in order to simulate model room conditions. The emission results were finally evaluated using the AgBB evaluation scheme, a procedure currently applied for the approval of flooring materials in Germany.
In-plane shear behaviour of earthen materials panels strengthened with polyester fabric strips
(2016)
An experimental investigation was carried out to study the in-plane shear behaviour of earthen material Panels strengthened with polyester fabric strips. Strengthened panels were developed to exploit the strength potential of earthen materials and to solve its lack of tensile strength, significantly improving not only strength but also ductility. Three earthen materials were considered: cob, earth block masonry (EBM) and rammed earth (RE). As first approach the strengthening configuration, based on different adhesive materials, was tested only for cob panels. As part of the study the results of a big testing campaign of unstrengthened Panels were considered. Seven strengthened panels were tested in diagonal compression/shear.A unique reinforcement orientation was used. The results of these tests are presented in this paper, and include the load-displacement behaviours, crack patterns, failure modes. The results showed that the reinforcement was the most effective in EBM panels, with increase in strength and ductility observed. In RE and cob panels the reinforcement did not likely contribute significantly to the shear resistance, due to a lack of embedment length of the strips. Instead, in EBM it was likely that the vertical reinforcement acted in tension to restrain shear induced dilation and to restrain sliding.
In-plane shear behaviour of earthen materials panels strengthened with polyester fabric strips
(2016)
An experimental investigation was carried out to study the in-plane shear behaviour of earthen material panels strengthened with polyester fabric strips. Strengthened panels were developed to exploit the strength potential of earthen materials and to solve its lack of tensile strength, significantly improving not only strength but also ductility. Three earthen materials were considered: cob, earth block masonry (EBM) and rammed earth (RE). As first approach the strengthening configuration, based on different adhesive materials, was tested only for cob panels. As part of the study the results of a big testing campaign of unstrengthened Panels were considered. Seven strengthened panels were tested in diagonal compression/shear.A unique reinforcement orientation was used. The results of these tests are presented in this paper, and include the load-displacement behaviours, crack patterns, failure modes. The results showed that the reinforcement was the most effective in EBM panels, with increase in strength and ductility observed. In RE and cob panels the reinforcement did not likely contribute significantly to the shear resistance, due to a lack of embedment length of the strips. Instead, in EBM it was likely that the vertical reinforcement acted in tension to restrain shear induced dilation and to restrain sliding.
The purpose of this paper is to numerically simulate the in-plane behaviour of rammed earth walls under cyclic shear-compression tests. The experimental testing allowed obtaining the maximum horizontal loads, the displacement capacity and the level of non-linear behaviour of the respective loaddisplacement relationships as well as the failure modes. The calibration of the numerical model (finite element method) was carried out based on the experimental results. Within this framework, a micromodelling approach was considered. The behaviour of the rammed earth material was simulated using a total strain rotating crack model. A Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion was used to reproduce the behaviour of the interfaces between the layers.
Although the numerical results achieved a satisfactory agreement with the experimental results a sensitivity analysis of the parameters involved was performed. The sensitivity analysis aimed at determining which parameters of the model have a significant impact in the model’s results. As expected the sensitivity analysis pointed out that the sliding failure occurrence is mainly influenced by two parameters of the interface elements: the interface tensile strength fit and the friction angle u. Moreover the cohesion c and the layers thickness showed a limited effect on the shear behaviour. It should be noted that the results mentioned above are related to the cases where a significant level of vertical compressive stress r is employed.
The paper presents a comparison between different numerical modelling approaches aiming to simulate the in-plain behaviour of three types of earthen materials, namely adobe masonry, rammed earth and cob. For this purpose, uniaxial and diagonal compression tests were carried out, which allowed determining important mechanical parameters, such as compressive strength, Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, shear strength and shear modulus. Furthermore, the tests allowed assessing the level of non-linear behaviour of the respective stress–strain relationships as well as the failure modes. The experimental results were then used for the calibration of numerical models (based on the finite element method) for simulating the non-linear behaviour of the earth materials under in-plane shear loading. Both macro- and micro-modelling approaches were considered for this purpose. The procedures adopted for model calibration established the reliability of various modelling strategies for the different loading conditions. The simplified Approach based on macromodelling shows a satisfactory accuracy and low computational costs. The results reproducing the uniaxial compression are in good correspondence with the post-elastic behaviour observed in the experimental campaign. The micro-modelling approach adopted to reproduce the shear behaviour, even with higher computational cost, represents a suitable tool to predict the adobe masonry and rammed earth collapse mechanisms.
The paper presents a comparison between different numerical modelling ap-proaches aiming to simulate the in-plain behaviour of three types of earthen materials, name-ly adobe masonry, rammed earth and cob. For this purpose, uniaxial and diagonal compression tests were carried out, which allowed determining important mechanical param-eters, such as compressive strength, Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, shear strength and shear modulus. Furthermore, the tests allowed assessing the level of non-linear behaviour of the respective stress–strain relationships as well as the failure modes. The experimental results were then used for the calibration of numerical models (based on the finite element method) for simulating the non-linear behaviour of the earth materials under in-plane shear loading. Both macro- and micro-modelling approaches were considered for this purpose. The procedures adopted for model calibration established the reliability of various modelling strategies for the different loading conditions. The simplified approach based on macro-modelling shows a satisfactory accuracy and low computational costs. The results reproduc-ing the uniaxial compression are in good correspondence with the post-elastic behaviour ob-served in the experimental campaign. The micro-modelling approach adopted to reproduce the shear behaviour, even with higher computational cost, represents a suitable tool to pre-dict the adobe masonry and rammed earth collapse mechanisms
The paper presents a comparison between different numerical modelling approaches aiming to simulate the in-plain behaviour of three types of earthen materials, namely adobe masonry, rammed earth and cob. For this purpose, uniaxial and diagonal compression tests were carried out, which allowed determining important mechanical parameters, such as compressive strength, Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, shear strength and shear modulus. Furthermore, the tests allowed assessing the level of non-linear behaviour of the respective stress strain relationships as well as the failure modes. The experimental results were then used for the calibration of numerical models (based on the finite element method) for simulating the non-linear behaviour of the earth materials under in-plane shear loading. Both macro- and micro-modelling approaches were considered for this purpose. The procedures adopted for model calibration established the reliability of various modelling strategies for the different loading conditions. The simplified Approach based on macromodelling shows a satisfactory accuracy and low computational costs. The results reproducing the uniaxial compression are in good correspondence with the post-elastic behaviour observed in the experimental campaign. The micro-modelling approach adopted to reproduce the shear behaviour, even with higher computational cost, represents a suitable tool to predict the adobe masonry and rammed earth collapse mechanisms.