An application of a reality-based approach for the generation of masonry cross vaults FE block models

In recent years, the synergy between Geomatics and Structural Engineering has opened new frontiers in the analysis of the built heritage. In particular, the possibility of using reality-based models as starting data to develop structural models has become increasingly appealing to take into account some aspects that are usually neglected in the analysis of historical masonry constructions, such as the as-built deformed geometry and the block arrangement. The proposed approach is based on an integrated 3D metric survey campaign, that allows dense point clouds with RGB information to be obtained through LiDAR acquisitions and the contribution of photogrammetric surveys. These data are subsequently used for adaptive NURBS modelling to develop Finite Element micro-Models. This approach is applied to two cross vaults belonging to the portico of the Palazzata di Vicoforte in Piedmont, Italy, characterized by very similar macro-geometry, but different brick pattern. The developed FE models are analysed under differential settlement of the abutments, namely opening, vertical and shear settlement. The results are also compared with those obtained in a previous numerical campaign on ideal cross vaults of similar macro-geometry: the shear settlement is assumed for comparison, revealing the importance of accurate geometrical modelling at different scales.