Journal Published Online: 12 April 2010
Volume 38, Issue 4

Theoretical Solutions for Strength-Scaled Unreinforced Masonry for Scaled Soil-Structure Experimentation

CODEN: JTEVAB

Abstract

Reduced-scale masonry testing offers advantages of lower costs and shorter schedules compared to full-scale testing, but achieving results reflective of full-scale behavior requires development and fulfillment of appropriate scaling relationships. In many model-scale experiments, geometric scaling occurs, but kinematic and/or dynamic similitude is not fully satisfied. This paper describes the theoretical basis and evolution of the equations necessary to achieve kinematic similitude for soil-structure testing at one-gravity for unreinforced masonry. Critical considerations relate to preventing the soil from being overloaded. By adopting a standard linear relationship of increased soil stiffness with depth, the controlling principle becomes the application of restricted scaled-loads throughout the entirety of the structure-soil system. As such, material strength and stiffness must be scaled accordingly to respond appropriately under the reduced stress. An example is provided for an adjacent excavation experiment with related empirical verification and computational quantification.

Author Information

Laefer, Debra
Urban Modelling Group (UMG), School of Architecture, Landscape, and Civil Engineering (SALCE), Univ. College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland
Erkal, Aykut
UMG, SALCE, UCD, Dublin, Ireland
Cording, Edward
Dept. of CEE, UIUC, Urbana, IL
Long, James
Univ. of Illinois at Urbana—Champaign (UIUC), Urbana, IL
Hong, Linh
UCD, Dublin, Ireland
Pages: 9
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: JTE102420
ISSN: 0090-3973
DOI: 10.1520/JTE102420