Sensitivity study on tunnelling induced damage to a masonry façade

Assessing the potential damage caused by soil subsidence to masonry structures is essential for the successful realisation of underground projects in urban areas. The damage assessment procedures need to take into account the highly non-linear behaviour of the structural materials, characterised by brittle cracking and consequent stress redistribution, and the important effect of soil–structure interaction. This paper presents the results of a sensitivity study performed on a 2D finite element model that was validated through comparison with experimental results. The study investigates the effect of openings, material properties, building weight, initial damage, normal and shear behaviour of the base interface and applied settlement profile. The results assess quantitatively the major role played by the normal stiffness of the soil–structure interaction and by the material parameters defining the quasi-brittle masonry behaviour.