Non-linear Global Analysis with Macro-elements of the Response to Horizontal Seismic Actions in Circular Masonry Buildings. The Case of the “La Rotunda” Prison in Tempio Pausania

Nonlinear analysis of the structural response of masonry buildings to horizontal actions, both using finite elements that takes into account cracks and yielding of piers and spandrels, and using discrete elements, often presents convergence problems and requires a considerable computational burden. In this respect, the approach with macroelements with the equivalent frame method is less problematic and allows the non-linear analysis of even very complex box-shaped buildings without significant computational problems. In this article the non-linear analysis by macroelements with the equivalent frame method is extended to buildings of cylindrical shape with a circular section of large dimensions, such as, for example, the important monumental building of neo-classical conception of the prison “La Rotunda” of Tempio Pausania in Sardinia, Italy. A non-linear static analysis (pushover) is performed in order to evaluate the response to the seismic action. The analysis shows how the response of the building to horizontal forces, up to the collapse of the structure, is strongly influenced by the interaction between the circular part of the building and the adjacent parallelepiped part located at the entrance to the “La Rotunda” prison.