Dissipative behaviour of masonry arches subjected to vertical cyclic loads: experimental tests and numerical modelling

The majority of European city centres feature ancient architectural complexes built typically from local stone materials. Due to their age and quality of materials, these structures are often highly sensible to seismic activity. In particular, arches, vaults, and domes were frequently damaged during earthquakes. The reduction of their seismic vulnerability depends on the accurate structural response prediction. This research proposes an experimental investigation of the tuff masonry arch subjected to cyclic loading for evaluating the mechanisms of energy dissipation activated during loading and unloading cycles. Vertical cyclic loading test was chosen as an effective one for evaluating the dissipative effects associated with horizontal dynamic loads but avoiding the complexity of experimental setup required for direct simulation. The nonlinear numerical model was developed and calibrated using obtained experimental data, which accurately represent the reduction in the overall structural stiffness resulting from the activation of plasticisation mechanisms in the arch joints.