Vibration Characteristics of Traditional Masonry Buildings in the Kingdom of Bhutan

Abstract

Ensuring the seismic resilience of traditional rammed earth and stone masonry buildings in the Kingdom of Bhutan is essential for their preservation. This study aims to clarify the vibration characteristics of traditional masonry buildings during an earthquake, based on shaking table tests and seismic response analyses. Shaking table tests were conducted on four 1/6 scaled specimens of the same design and geometry as the full-scale specimens in previous studies. The test results clarified the relationship between the nominal PGA and acceleration response factor and the change in the vibration characteristics due to damage. For the numerical modelling, two-mass system models for each specimen were constructed based on the microtremor measurements conducted for each specimen before the shaking table tests and static full-scale lateral loading tests. Seismic response analysis, using two-mass system models, was conducted to simulate the dynamic behavior observed and recorded during the shaking table tests. The results showed that the numerical analysis produced a similar output trend until rocking or large horizontal cracks occurred.