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Dynamic Centrifuge modeling of the dynamic behavior of an old masonry wall in sand

Publication Title
Dynamic Centrifuge modeling of the dynamic behavior of an old masonry wall in sand

Abstract

This study investigates the seismic behavior of shallow foundations in historic masonry buildings through centrifuge modelling. Two centrifuge tests were performed: one under saturated conditions with low excess pore pressure, and another under dry conditions to assess the impact of increased pore pressure on structural response. In the dry condition test, two similar structures were compared, one with foundation connections, the other lacking them. Instrumentation during the experiments measured deformation, rotation and settlements, pore water pressures, and stress distributions within the soil and the masonry walls. The findings emphasize that the presence of a water table alters stress distribution and foundation performance under dynamic loading. Additionally, enhanced masonry joint connectivity was demonstrated to markedly improve structural integrity by more effectively distributing seismic loads across the foundation. Additionally, air hammer tests and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) analysis were performed to further investigate soil-structure interaction and dynamic response. The results offer valuable insights for the preservation and seismic retrofitting of historical buildings, at low rate of excess pore water pressure, enhancing the understanding of complex behaviours under seismic loading.

Authors
F. Valtucci; Emilio Bilotta; S. Lirer; Alessandro Flora; C. Espanol-Espinel; P. Gopal MADABHUSHIS; Giulia Viggiani

Published In

11th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG2026)

Theme

Special Session 10: Liquefaction Experiments and Analysis Projects – Lesson Learned from LEAP-Asia-2025

DOI
https://doi.org/10.53243/ICPMG2026-280