Full 3D CAD procedure for the speedy evaluation of the seismic vulnerability of masonry towers

A very straightforward 3D CAD approach for the speedy evaluation of the seismic vulnerability of existing masonry towers is presented. The procedure requires only the detailed 3D geometric model of the structure and automatically calculates the collapse acceleration on a user defined failure mechanism. In this paper, few pre-assigned mechanisms are tested, as for instance vertical splitting, simple overturning at the base, rocking with inclined yield lines and combined rocking and vertical splitting. The restriction of the possible tower failure within such a few mechanisms grounds on previous numerical research in the field and post-earthquake surveys experience. In any case, any user can define his own mechanisms according to the specificity of the case-study under consideration, directly shaping distinct volumes inside the CAD software. The procedure is automatized and the direct application of the principle of virtual works-assuming that masonry behaves as a no-tension material-allows the immediate evaluation of the horizontal acceleration at collapse. The mechanism associated to the minimum acceleration, in agreement with the kinematic theorem of limit analysis, is that most probably would occur in reality during a seismic event. The approach allows a straightforward evaluation of the seismic vulnerability of a tower and can be used even by practitioners not familiar with advanced FE computations and limit analysis concepts, so adapting well to the heterogeneous community involved in cultural heritage preservation. The automatized procedure is applied in this paper to a historical tower located in central Italy, to show the capabilities of the approach. © 2019 Author(s)