Author(s)

S. Dumortier & W.P. De Wilde

Abstract

Finite element study of the Tower of Brussels City Hall S. Dumortier, W.P. De Wilde Department of Structural Analysis, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium Summary The paper presents a finite element analysis of the Tower of Brussels City Hall. Both linear and non-linear analyses were necessary, due to the low tensile strength of the original construction material and the need to simulate stress redistribution. The mass and wind loading (normal or exceptional) were to be taken into account. The main objectives of the study were: • to determine the most vulnerable regions in order to properly plan the reinforcement and the restoration of the tower; • to examine the influence of metallic reinforcements in the cap, which had been placed during previous restorations; • to determine the force distribution in the structure, in order to make appropriate predictions of the influence of the removal of parts during restoration; • to predict def

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