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Experimental tests on the limit states of dry-jointed tuff blocks

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Abstract

A proper definition of the yield domains governing the frictional behaviour at contact interfaces is generally required to perform the limit analysis of 3D dry-jointed masonry block structures. However, the modelling of the actual behaviour of frictional contact interfaces under simultaneous normal and shear forces, torsion and bending moments is a topic still poorly studied, especially from the experimental point of view. In this paper the single contact interface of a system composed of two dry-jointed tuff blocks under different loading conditions is experimentally investigated. The programme includes several sets of tests based on different eccentricities of the vertical and horizontal loading implying pure strengths and interactions among shear, torsion and bending moments. The results of each set are then compared with those obtained by a recently proposed numerical model for 3D masonry block assemblages, based on the assumptions of infinite strength in compression, tension and shear for blocks and no-tension and frictional behaviour at their contact. The comparison is useful, on the one hand, as a further validation the efficacy of the previously proposed yield domains in order to be used in 3D limit analysis formulations and, on the other, to highlight which yield domains need to be better represented.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the sponsorship of the Italian Civil Protection, through the RELUIS Project-Line: Masonry Structures (2015). The authors wish to express their gratitude to Dr. Carla Ceraldi, Mr. Mario Torricella and Mr. Domenico Imperatrice from the Laboratory of Architecture in Naples (DIST), for their assistance and support in the preparation of the specimens, test setup and throughout the execution of experimental investigations.

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  1. Department of Structures for Engineering and Architecture, University of Naples Federico II, via Forno Vecchio 36, 80134, Naples, Italy

    Claudia Casapulla & Francesco Portioli

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  1. Claudia Casapulla
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  2. Francesco Portioli
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Correspondence to Claudia Casapulla.

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Casapulla, C., Portioli, F. Experimental tests on the limit states of dry-jointed tuff blocks. Mater Struct 49, 751–767 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-015-0536-3

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