Numerical modelling of the structural behaviour of Buti's bell tower

The paper describes the numerical techniques implemented in the finite-element code NOSA for structural analysis of masonry constructions. The code is then applied to the analysis of "Buti's bell tower", a medieval structure located on the Pisa mountains, under two different conditions: firstly, with the structure subjected to its own weight alone, and then while subjected to both its own weight and a horizontal load, which models an earthquake. The displacement and stress fields, as well as the distribution of cracking have been calculated with NOSA, and the numerical results analysed and compared to the actual distribution of fractures in the tower. (C) 2004 Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.