Shake-table response simulation of a URM building specimen using discrete micro-models with varying degrees of detail

Abstract Recent technological advances have enabled earthquake engineering researchers to develop numerical models of increasing complexity, capable duly reproducing even the smallest structural detail. In case unreinforced masonry (URM) structures, however, because their discrete and heterogeneous nature, computational performance tends decrease exponentially as a function adopted refinement level, thus confining applicability advanced micro-models, according which each unit is typically modelled separately, reduced-scale problems. To enable use at building scale, benefit from considering simultaneously out-of-plane failures, local wall-diaphragm interaction collapses, often need level detail specific members or sub-structures. current literature, influence abovementioned simplifications on quality micro-modelling predictions has been only marginally investigated so far, while code-based guidelines are missing. start addressing such knowledge gap, dynamic response shake-table-tested full-scale URM specimen simulated in this work using very detailed micro-model, results obtained were then compared with those nominally identical which, idealisation some elements purposely simplified. Aimed further extending impact study, pushover analyses also performed same models. Preliminary outcomes, may serve reference more informed, effective targeted multi-scale strategies future, indicate that: (i) maximum base shear tend be less impacted by introduction modelling simplifications, (ii) despite requiring labour, explicit representation brickwork pattern generally led better terms predicted damage propagation, failure mechanisms displacement capacity, (iii) equivalent membranes, opposed component timber diaphragms, provided acceptable results, making it plausible alternative for practical applications approaches.