3D Rigid Block Limit Analysis of a Masonry Cross Vault Subjected to Shaking Table Tests

This paper presents the results of a numerical study on a brick masonry cross vault that was tested on a shaking table, on a scale of 1:1. The study was part of the blind prediction competition organized within the activities of the SERA-AIMS project “Seismic Response of Masonry Cross Vaults: Shaking table tests and numerical validations”. The main objective of the blind prediction competition was to compare various numerical techniques. Among others, the one presented in this paper is based on 3D rigid block limit analysis. In the numerical model, the masonry units of the cross vault are modeled with rigid blocks interacting at no tension-frictional interfaces. A simple iterative procedure is used to take into account the non-associative behavior in sliding failure. Preliminary analyses carried out at the blind prediction competition stage as well as post-diction studies, after the experimental tests, are presented. The paper emphasizes the differences between the pre-diction and post-diction phases to highlight the improvements made during the numerical investigation. The study shows the influence of support and action modeling as well as of friction coefficient on the failure mechanisms and force capacity.