Seismic response of reduced scale stone masonry building

The results of shaking table tests of a one-third stone masonry building model have been presented in this paper. The model was subjected to four levels of acceleration–time history record of the 1940 El Centro earthquake. These levels include 75% (R75), 100% (R100), 125% (R125) and 150% (R150). The data relating to acceleration and displacement were recorded and analysed. The fundamental mode of vibration of the structure was observed at all the levels of ground acceleration that were employed. The in-plane walls at the first storey were severely damaged as the structure was subjected to the increasing levels of peak ground acceleration. The maximum structure response to the ground vibration was observed at the R100 level of acceleration–time history. The fundamental frequency of the model decreased from 9/s for the virgin structure to 1/s after the R150 test run, whereas the damping ratio increased from 4·88 to 29·77%. The idealised resistance curve of the tested model indicated a structure ductility of 2·18.