Seismic design of masonry structures

This paper reviews some basic aspects of the verification of the seismic resistance of masonry walls and buildings, and makes some suggestions for future research. Extensive experimental and analytical research during recent decades has improved the development of these methods and of earthquake-resistant structures. The main masonry construction systems are: (1) plain, unreinforced masonry; (2) masonry confined between horizontal and vertical reinforced concrete elements; and (3) reinforced masonry. Seismic action can be represented by various mathematical and probability models. The form of seismic action, to be used in seismic resistance verification, depends on the importance and complexity of the structure. Masonry buildings are typical shear-wall structures, linked by floors, and there are two main conditions for the walls to be seismic resistant. The three typical forms of masonry wall failure in earthquakes are sliding shear, shear failure, and flexural failure. More experimental research is needed on masonry construction systems, especially reinforced hollow unit masonry, and on developing simple models for seismic resistance verification. Different experimental methods for determining the mechanical properties of masonry materials need to be harmonised.