D14: Report on the SFI effects for ground shaking

Modelling of masonry structure with macroelements – modelling of the foundation’s impedance

Hereafter you can download the full text of the deliverable D14.

The report describes the work performed by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) in
Task 3.1 of WP3. For heavy and rigid monumental masonry structures the evaluation of the
foundation compliance and the associated soil-foundation-structure interaction effects and their
role in the seismic response has not been studied thus far. In most cases the response of the
superstructure is analysed supposing “fixed base” conditions, in several cases reality quite
unrealistic assumption. The flexibility of a masonry foundation may modify the input motion and
consequently the response of the structure and hence there is a need of an improved foundation
model both for the design of retrofitting measures and to assess their vulnerability in the way that
it is proposed in PERPETUATE. The goal of this report is to propose adequate impedance
functions for flexible, masonry foundations under seismic loading after a thorough literature review
of the existing approached for rigid and flexible foundations and proper numerical modelling
considering in a simple but yet engineering accepted way the foundation flexibility.