Lateral Stiffness of Unreinforced Masonry Circular Columns under Cracked Conditions

Authors: M. ARİF GÜREL, MURAT KISA, FERİDUN ÇILI

Abstract: Both walls and columns are main structural elements of monumental buildings. In resisting seismic forces, the lateral stiffness of these elements is an essential parameter. Earthquakes may cause cracks in the masonry, and this reduces the lateral stiffness of the walls and columns. Using an efficient numerical model, this study investigates the effects of cracking on the lateral stiffness of unreinforced masonry cantilever columns with circular cross-section. On the basis of the obtained lateral force versus lateral displacement relationships, the behavior of the columns is characterized by 3 limit states corresponding to the first cracking, maximum resistance and ultimate state. For an example column, the lateral stiffness values at these limit states are determined and compared with each other. The results show that the lateral stiffness is directly related to the displacement level and hence the level of cracking. Implementing a parametric analysis, the effects of the column slenderness, vertical load to column self weight ratio, and the parameter related to the mechanical and physical properties on the lateral stiffness are also investigated.

Keywords: Unreinforced masonry, Circular columns, Seismic behavior, Lateral stiffness, Cracking

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