The influence of the masonry mechanical properties in the structural behaviour of the Leon`s cathedral

Abstract

Mechanical and physical properties of the masonry have a considerable bearing on the structural behaviour. Ancient buildings, like Leon’s cathedral, show uncertainty about real condition of the material and even structural compounds. These uncertainties make it difficult to assessment the bearing capacity of the structure and the affect of the restorations. This paper shows a study to select the most influential material’s parameters on the structural behaviour. The study is based on a sensitiveness analysis. The study starts with a structural analysis to select the most responsible areas of the transversal structural section. Then, the structural calculation is done by modifying the value of the material’s parameters in the expected scatter band. The statistical study provides the most influential parameters on the structural masonry behaviour. Finally the conclusions are proponed.

Keywords

• masonry
• properties
• ancient buildings
• restorations
• gothic buildings