Clive Allen1, Dmytro Dizhur2, Mark J. Masia1, and Jason M. Ingham2
1) The University of Newcastle
e-mail: clive.allen@uon.edu.au
2) The University of Auckland
Keywords: Unreinforced Masonry, Finite Element Modelling, Earthquake
Abstract. This paper presents the results of nonlinear static (pushover) analyses of a three storey unreinforced masonry building using the commercial finite element software package TNO DIANA [3]. The building considered in this study is known as Avonmore house and was three storeys in height. The building was severely damaged in the M6.3 February 22nd Christchurch earthquake and subsequently demolished. The aim of this study is to replicate the damage observed to this building using a total strain fixed-crack finite element model and to compare the results of this study with a previous study [4]which employed an equivalent frame model to replicate the observed damage. A sensitivity analysis of the finite element model was undertaken with respect to various input parameters including diaphragm stiffness, unreinforced masonry compressive strength, tensile strength and modulus of elasticity.