Structural identification and seismic performance of brick chimneys, Tokoname, Japan

Dynamic and static analyses of existing structures are very important to obtain reliable information relating to actual structural properties. For this purpose a series of material test, dynamic test and static collapse test of the existing two brick chimneys, in Tokoname, are carried out. From the material tests, Young's modulus and compressive strength of the brick used for these chimneys are estimated to be 3200 MPa and 7.5 MPa, respectively. The results of static collapse test of the existing two brick chimneys are discussed in this paper and composed with the results from FEA (Finite Element analysis). From the results of dynamic tests, the fundamental frequencies of Howa and Iwata brick chimneys are estimated to be about 2.69 Hz and 2.93 Hz, respectively. Their natural modes are identified by ARMAV (Autoregressive Moving Average Vectors) model. On the basis of the static and dynamic experimental tests, a numerical model has been prepared. According to the European code (Eurocode n. 8: "Design of structures for earthquake resistance") non-linear static (Pushover) analysis of the two chimneys is carried out and they seem to be vulnerable to earthquakes with 0.25 to 0.35 g.