Numerical simulation of brick masonry piers retrofitted with prestressed PC bars with appropriate edge distance

Abstract

Seismic performance of masonry piers retrofitted with prestressed PC bars was evaluated in experimental investigation and in numerical simulation with Applied Element Method (AEM). For a masonry pier with a weak joint in the middle height, sliding of masonry bed joints could be controlled and rocking behavior of the masonry pier was obtained using appropriate PC bar retrofitting method. The structural behaviors of masonry piers with and without retrofitting were well simulated by AEM. Furthermore, appropriate edge distance for PC bars to prevent damage of cover zone was proposed based on simulation results.