Rapid post-earthquake damage localization and quantification in masonry structures through multidimensional non-linear seismic IDA

Abstract This paper presents a methodology aimed at addressing the rapid post-earthquake damage localization and quantification tasks in heritage masonry structures, based on non-linear Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA). The proposed methodology relies on pre-run multidimensional non-linear IDA simulations carried out using a numerical Finite Element model together with vibration data recorded during an earthquake. The IDA curves are built with reference to different portions of the structure, relating meaningful local damage parameters to relevant seismic intensity measures. The selection of appropriate intensity parameters is crucial and a study on this aspect is carried out. The methodology is validated through application to a numerical model of a reduced-scale masonry structure, called Brick House, which is a well-known international benchmark tested on the LNEC-3D shaking table. The obtained results demonstrate that, if the set of IDA curves has been previously constructed using a suitable model, the proposed methodology yields an immediate and accurate estimation of damage conditions after an earthquake is recorded.