Evidence-based creep induced damage progression in masonry structures

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The accurate life expectancy of historic masonry buildings plays a vital role in achieving sustainable conservation plans and preventing unexpected life-threatening failures. In this regard, the masonry stock in Canada is substantial, and the cultural value of those structures is significant. According to the Canadian Register of Historic Places, over 20% of Canada's historic buildings have already been demolished. Thus, a strategy based on advanced computational models is needed to better preserve historic buildings by understanding their aging and mechanical deterioration processes. However, developing a systematic approach to capturing the long-term behaviour of masonry buildings is challenging due to the inherent complexity of the structures and uncertainties in the material properties. This research program aims to offer a novel evidence-based discontinuum analysis framework (based on discrete element method, DEM) predicting the adverse effects of long-term mechanical behaviour of heritage masonry buildings, thus addressing time-dependent strength degradation and accumulated damage phenomena by considering their existing conditions. An effective 3D discontinuum modeling strategy, including the uncertainties of the material properties, will be developed, and time-dependent contact models will be implemented in DEM to explore the creep behaviour of masonry. The current state of existing masonry structures (e.g., Library of Parliament and Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, Ottawa, ON) will be diagnosed by data-driven non-destructive techniques. The as-is condition of structures, comprising structural damages, cracks, and regular and irregular geometrical properties, will be documented using image processing and laser scanning technologies to be integrated into the proposed modeling strategy. Moreover, the proposed modeling approach will be performed on real-case studies, together with a comprehensive parametric analysis, which will act as the basis for recommendations to protect our built cultural heritage. The knowledge gained will yield to prevent and warn for any life-threatening condition of the historical masonry buildings in addition to eliminating the loss of cultural heritage and avoiding expensive repairing costs. The outcomes will elicit advances in the computational modeling of masonry structures as well as a better understanding of their long-term damage accumulation and corresponding collapse mechanisms. New insights will guide the local authorities and policy-makers to prioritize the most vulnerable historic masonry structures through accurate diagnosis and prediction of the time-dependent damage progression and life expectancy of Canada's built cultural heritage. This research program will offer invaluable training opportunities for HQP in coding, numerical modeling, vision-based data processing, and damage assessments of masonry structures, providing them the necessary skills to pursue highly sought academic or industrial careers.