Quantification of damage evolution in masonry walls subjected to induced seismicity

• Existing unreinforced masonry buildings show significant vulnerability to sequences of induced seismicity events. An intuitive seismic damage indexing scheme is proposed for URM structures. The considers both shear slipping and tensile cracking in masonry. A meso -scale model developed, the index equation applied identify evolution damage. could be applicable optical monitoring structural inspection. This paper aims quantify walls under seismicity. equation, which a function slippage opening mortar joints, as well drift ratio walls, was herein. Initially, dataset experimental tests from in-plane quasi-static cyclic on considered. experimentally obtained crack patterns were investigated their correlation with propagation studied. Using software based Distinct Element Method, numerical developed validated against full-scale literature. Wall panels representing common typologies house façades Northern Europe i.e. near Groningen gas field Netherlands, numerically investigated. accumulated within response by means representative harmonic load excitations an incremental dynamic analysis records region. ability this capture different situations demonstrated. methodology also accumulation during strong earthquakes aftershocks too.