Finite Element assessment of an existing masonry building affected by differential settlement

Differential settlement is one of the main causes of damage in existing masonry buildings, producing additional stresses and cracking in structural elements. This thesis investigates the effects of differential foundation settlement on an existing masonry building located in Bologna, Italy. A geotechnical investigation, including CPTU tests and oedometer laboratory tests, was performed to characterize the soil behaviour and estimate the expected settlements. The obtained settlement profile was then applied to a three-dimensional finite element model developed in SAP2000 to evaluate the structural response of the building. The numerical analysis was used to identify the areas most affected by settlement-induced stresses and strains, and the results were compared with the observed crack patterns. The comparison showed a correlation between the predicted structural response and the existing damage, highlighting the influence of differential settlement on masonry structures. The study provides an integrated approach combining geotechnical analysis and finite element modelling for the assessment of settlement-related damage in existing masonry buildings.