Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Mercimek Ö. (Yürütücü), Anıl Ö., Şahin O., Ulugöl H., Güzelküçük S., Erbaş Y., et al.
TÜBİTAK Uluslararası İkili İşbirliği Projesi, 2524 - İtalya Dışişleri Bakanlığı İkili İşbirliği Programı, 2026 - 2029
As is well known, during
earthquakes masonry structures are designed to withstand in-plane loads based
on the design equations specified by building codes, while their resistance to
out-of-plane actions is typically addressed through simplified approaches
involving the distances between wall openings and their proximity to wall
corners. An analysis of damaged masonry structures following recent earthquakes
(e.g. 2023 Kahramanmaraş and 2016 Central Italy seismic sequences) revealed
that significant damage was primarily caused by out-of-plane effects rather
than in-plane forces. Moreover, most of this damage was concentrated near the
corners of masonry structures. In the project titled ENFCorMas, we aim to
investigate, for the first time in a detailed and comprehensive manner, the
damage mechanisms that occur at the corners of masonry structures due to
out-of-plane effects, as well as the underlying causes of such failures. The
project will focus on experimental, numerical, and field studies to examine
corner collapse mechanisms in masonry structures. A total of 100 large-scale
experiments will be conducted. The experimental variables have been carefully
selected to simulate a wide range of real-world conditions. For instance,
masonry units in walls with irregular textures and assembled will be
produced using a 3D printer, marking one of the pioneering applications in this
field. The scientific focus of the project is to enhance our understanding of
the structural resilience of masonry structures under seismic out-of-plane
forces, offering a novel perspective in this domain. The outcomes will include
the development of ready-to-use damage models that can be applied in
earthquake-prone regions such as Türkiye and Italy. These models will aid in
the assessment of masonry structures and the implementation of necessary
preventive measures.
The project will
commence with full-scale laboratory tests and proceeded with analytical,
numerical, and field studies conducted in both countries. By the end of the
project, two real structures—one from Türkiye and one from Italy—will be
reproduced as 1:3 (the scale can be reduced up to 1:9 depending on the size of
the structure) scale prototypes in the laboratory, where they will undergo
testing. A total of 100 experiments will be conducted, including 96 full-scale
wall tests and 4 prototype masonry structure tests at 1:3 scale. No mortar will
be used between the masonry units; the connection will be a direct dry joint.
The experimental variables for the wall tests have been identified as follows;
(1)Masonry unit types: clay brick, natural (tuff) stone block, hollow brick,
aerated concrete block, and 3D-printed irregular textures, (2) Bonding types
for clay brick masonry: English bond and Flemish bond, (3)Specimen shapes:
C-type and L-type, (4) Opening configurations: no openings, one door, one
window, and a combination of one door and one window, (5) Loading directions:
perpendicular and diagonal. The laboratory tests will be conducted on a tilting
table, a setup rarely employed in the literature, which provides an accurate
representation of out-of-plane behaviour. During these tests, the tilting table
will be elevated upward until the test specimen collapses; at that point, the
table's angle will be recorded, allowing for the calculation of the static load
factor corresponding to the acceleration/gravity (a/g) ratio. High-resolution
video recordings using four cameras will capture the experiments, facilitating
the identification of failure modes. To improve the predictive accuracy of the
static load factor in relation to experimental results, analytical models
proposed in the literature will be adapted and further developed to account for
the project's specific variables (such as opening configurations and loading
directions). The failure modes of the test specimens will also be validated
through numerical analyses performed using both a Finite Element and a Distinct
Element limit analysis approach developed by the Italian research unit (ANUB-Aggregates
and DELA3D) and ABAQUS software. Simultaneously, surveying studies will be
conducted in neighbourhoods with a dense stock of masonry structures in both
Italy and Türkiye. Detailed architectural surveys will be carried out, and the
characteristics of masonry units will be documented. Based on the proposed
methodologies, the out-of-plane collapse risks of masonry structures in these
regions during seismic events will be assessed. In the final phase of the
project, one masonry structure from each of the surveyed regions will be
recreated as a 1:3 scale prototype and tested under varying loading directions.
The use of in-scale models is allowed for dry-joint assemblages (Buckingham’s
theorem), which are typical for historical and existing structures. Thus, the project will transition from
laboratory-based studies to analytical and numerical analyses, culminating in a
prototype study that integrates all phases.
The project
management structure has been designed to ensure seamless coordination between
laboratory experiments, numerical modelling, and field studies. Progress will
be monitored through a well-defined timeline, regular reporting, and
collaborative sessions between the Turkish and Italian teams. The project
coordinators will oversee all stages, while researchers and grant holders will
ensure scientific rigor and adherence to milestones. Approximately 80% of the
experimental studies will be conducted in Türkiye, except for the tests on
3D-printed irregular texture walls, which will take place in Italy due to the
availability of 3D printers at Politecnico di Milano. These experiments will be
carried out between the 1st and 16th months. Concurrently, surveying
studies will commence in the 13th month, continuing through the 28th
month, with both Italian and Turkish researchers conducting fieldwork in their
respective countries. Following the experimental phase starting, analytical and
numerical studies will begin in the 4th and 6th months.
The analytical studies, which involve refining equations from the literature to
align with the project's scope, will be conducted by the Turkish researchers
and are expected to conclude by the 22nd month. Numerical modelling
will proceed in parallel: the DELA3D and ANUB-Aggregates modelling will be
carried out in Italy, while the ABAQUS modelling will be conducted in Türkiye,
both to be completed by the 28th month. In the final phase, the
numerical analysis of real structures, informed by field data, will be
performed in Italy between the 21st and 32nd months.
Additionally, the testing of two 1:3 scale prototype structures will take place
in Türkiye between the 23rd and 36th months, bringing the
project to completion.
The collaboration
between the Turkish and Italian research teams enhances the quality and scope
of the project by incorporating diverse expertise and resources. Türkiye's ease
of access to materials, labour, and experimental facilities, combined with
Italy's proven expertise in numerical modelling, makes this partnership highly
valuable. Both countries, with their rich heritage of masonry architecture and
exposure to similar seismic challenges, provide an ideal setting for
comparative analysis. This collaboration will foster knowledge exchange and
ensure that the findings are applicable in both regions, thereby broadening the
impact of the research.
The project aims to foster a strong bilateral collaboration between Italy and Türkiye, emphasizing the exchange of knowledge and researchers. Through this partnership, key personnel, including the Principal Investigators and research team members, will engage in extended research stays abroad, enhancing the integration of methodologies and findings. This collaborative framework will not only ensure the successful execution of the project but also lay the groundwork for future joint initiatives. In addition to making significant contributions to the field by providing practical models and methodologies for assessing and mitigating corner collapse risks in masonry structures, the project will enhance the safety of both historic and modern masonry buildings. The outcomes will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, engineers, and researchers, promoting safer construction practices in seismic regions. The project is expected to yield numerous scientific publications, conference presentations, and graduate theses while creating new opportunities for long-term international cooperation.