Seismic response and retrofit of industrial brick masonry chimneys

During recent earthquakes, the documented cases of collapsed unreinforced brick masonry industrial chimneys are numerous. Observed modes of structural failure are either total collapse or sometimes collapse or damage of the top third of the structure. The objective of this study is to analyze and explain the modes of observed failure of masonry chimneys during earthquake events, and to evaluate two retrofit systems for existing chimneys in areas of high seismicity. The behaviour of the masonry chimney, when subjected to earthquake ground motion, was modelled using a lumped mass system. Several actual strong motion records were used as input to the model. The shear, moment, and displacement responses to the earthquake ground motion were evaluated for various chimney configurations. It was found that the failure of the chimney at its base is the result of the fundamental mode of vibration. Failure at the top third of the structure due to the higher modes of vibration is possible when the chimney is subjected to high frequency content earthquakes. Higher modes, which are normally not of concern under wind loading, were shown to be critical in seismic design. Post-tensioning and the reinforcing steel cage were found to be effective retrofit systems. Key words: masonry, chimneys, behaviour, analysis, design, retrofit, dynamic, earthquakes, seismic response.