S. Sahlin, “Strutural masonry”, Prentice-Hall, Inc.
A. W. Hendry, “Statica delle strutture in muratura di
mattoni”, Patron Editore.
J. Heyman, “The masonry arch”, Ellis Horwood series in
Engineering Science.
Further documents related to the lessons.
Learning Objectives
The aim of the course is the teaching of the fundamental
topics about the mechanical behavior of the masonry materials
with particular attention to the historic buildings. Both
theory and applications are included in the course. Main
objective is that to furnish to structural engineers the basic
knowledge on the mechanics of the masonry materials with
particular attention to the strengthening and retrofitting of masonry buildings in the seismic zones.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of the elastic beam theory, of structural
safety and of the ultimate limit state methods.
Teaching Methods
Direct lessons by the teacher.
Further information
Available in pdf format are the lessons and further
complementary documents.
Type of Assessment
Exam regarding all the topics treated in the Course or exam
regarding only some topics plus a study on a specific topic.
Course program
1) Classifications of masonries (unreinforced, reinforced and
framed, historic masonries).
2) Masonries: general aspects, classifications and properties
of basic components, units and mortar, Italian regulations
(NTC 2008).
3) The mechanical characteristics of the masonry: compressive
and tensile strengths, models, Italian regulations (NTC 2008).
4) Effects of load eccentricity, effects of slenderness on
compressive strength, Italian regulations (NTC 2008), critical
load, modulus of elasticity E.
5) Masonries: shear strength, basic theory, masonry piers and spandrels, Italian regulations (NTC 2008).
6) Masonries: kinematic methods, linear and nonlinear
approaches, Italian regulations (NTC 2008), examples.
7) Masonries: tests on masonry, compression, diagonal, shear
and flat jack tests, Italian regulations (NTC 2008).
8) Curved beams, equilibrium, compatibility, linear elastic
model, P.V.W., normal and tangential stresses.
9) Elastic arches, the funicular polygon, the middle-third
rule, statically determined and hyperstatic arches, two pinned arch, arch with steel chain,
comparisons.
10) Calculus of masonry arches: elastic methods and limit
analysis methods, examples.
Further topics (generally untreated in the course):
- History of masonry arches
- Beams with circular axis
- Masonry quality.
- Reinforced masonry
- Relief of existing masonry structures.