A Stochastic Computational Framework for the Seismic Assessment of Monumental Masonry Structures

Masonry structures are complex systems that require a thorough and detailed knowledge and information regarding their behaviour under seismic excitations. Appropriate modelling of a masonry structure is a prerequisite for a reliable earthquake resistant design or assessment. However, modelling a real structure to a robust quantitative (mathematical) representation is a very difficult, complex and computationally demanding task. The paper herein presents a new stochastic computational framework for earthquake resistant design of masonry structural systems, based on the probability behaviour of the crucial parameters involved in the modelling of the structure such as material strength and seismic characteristics via fragility analysis. The application of the proposed methodology is illustrated in the case study of a historical and monumental masonry structure, namely, the assessment of the seismic vulnerability of the Kaisariani Monastery, a byzantine church which was built in Athens, Greece, at a time period spanning the end of the 11th to the beginning of the 12thcentury. Important conclusions have been derived regarding the effectiveness of the intervention techniques used for the reduction of the vulnerability of the case-study structure, by comparing the results obtained.