Own theory

Question 1

What kind of information does EC6 and EC8 provide?

Answer 1

Eurocode 8 - Design of structures for earthquake resistance
Eurocode 6 - Design of masonry structures

Question 2

Explain Ductility

Answer 2

Ductility is the ability of a structure to undergo large deformations without failure, which is crucial in seismic design for absorbing and dissipating energy from earthquakes.

Question 3

What is shear walls

Answer 3

Shear walls are vertical structural elements designed to resist lateral forces acting on a building, such as those generated by wind or earthquakes. Shear walls significantly enhance the stability of buildings. They prevent excessive lateral displacements and reduce the risk of structural damage. In seismic events, shear walls help to control the building’s movements, reducing the potential for collapse or severe damage.

Question 4

Draw Shear, tension, compression, bending

Answer 4

See answer in “inför map 1”

Question 5

What’s Flexural strength and how are the strength affected of the axis?

Answer 5

Meaning bending. Depends on bending on weak or strong axis.
Weak axis: For bending around the weak axis the tensile stresses are developed perpendicular to the bed joints, and masonry is weak in tension.
Strong axis: For bending around the strong axis, the tensile stresses are developed parallel to the bed joints and the masonry units themselves are much stronger in tension parallel to the bed joints compared to the mortar joints.
Structures subjected to bending around the strong axis are generally more resilient due to the higher tensile strength of masonry units in this orientation.

Question 6

What type of masonry walls are there?

Answer 6

From a structural point of view, walls are classified as:
LOAD-BEARING WALL (RESISTENTE) with structural role and design to support loads;
SHEAR WALLS (PAREDES DE CONTRAVENTAMENTO ) those that are designed to resist horizontal forces in their plane.
STIFFENING WALLS (PAREDES DE TRAVAMENTO) those which are placed in the building perpendicular to shear walls to provide lateral support and to avoid buckling.
NON-LOAD-BEARING WALL (NÃO RESISTENTE) without structural function and not considered in the evaluation of the building’s strength.

Question 7

Regarding the construction, what’s important that a masonry building have?

Answer 7

• Shear walls in the 2 main directions of the building (continuously from the foundation to the roof).
• The location of these (shear) walls should be such that the centre of rigidity of the building and its centre of gravity are close together..
• The location of these (shear) walls must be such that sufficient torsional strength of the building is guaranteed.
• Rigid diaphragm floors to ensure efficient distribution of horizontal forces through the walls.