Defining Nonlinear Masonry Macro-Model Properties Based on Micro-Modeling for Seismic Analysis of Monuments in Bagan

Data on the mechanical behavior of the relevant typology of masonry assemblies and their constituents (units and mortar) under various actions, such as axial compression, tension, and shear, with indications on peak resistance, ultimate strains, and fracture energy, is essential for developing reliable numerical models of historic masonry monuments. In the context of the monuments of the archaeological site of Bagan, while architectural documentation is sufficiently available and adequate, reliable information on mechanical behavior of historical masonry remains limited and scattered. On-site challenges hindered the possibility for the team to complete the extensive field and laboratory investigations initially planned. Therefore, using available archival data on Bagan’s historical masonry and its constituents, a workflow for a numerical approach was developed to simulate the mechanical behavior of historical masonry in the region through nonlinear finite element micro-modeling. The output of the investigation, in the form of stress-strain curves of historical masonry, served as input to seismic analysis of selected case study monuments through homogenized macro-modeling. The numerically simulated mechanical properties of masonry were further calibrated against archival field data on the dynamic behavior of Bagan’s monuments.