This work comprises the modeling
and study of a historical masonry structure which was
tested on the shake table of the National Technical
University of Athens. An as accurate as possible
modeling is required in order to correctly assess the
behavioral patterns of the building under seismic load
and accurately interpret the results measured during the
test. The tested building was constructed at a ½ scale.
This is the scale which, with some adjustments, still
renders realistic results. The materials used for the
construction of the building are stone masonry and, for
the floor, wood. Also, the techniques used for the
effective construction process were the traditional
techniques (i.e.: manual placing of the blocks and the
mortar), so the outcome is as realistic as possible.
Throughout this work, we will deal with a lot of
uncertainties and we will employ a number of finite
element models in order to reach the final results which
can, afterwards, be accurately interpreted. The present
modeling and the experiment which was conducted in the
premises of the National Technical University of Athens
are part of the NIKER European project. The NIKER (New
Integrated Knowledge based approaches to the protection
of cultural heritage from Earthquakeinduced Risk)
program aims at developing a validating innovative
materials.