The reliability of masonry structures – evaluation methods for historical buildings

Abstract In this paper, selected issues regarding the assessment of the reliability of masonry structures in existing buildings, including historical buildings, are presented. The specifics of diagnostics and computational analysis of these types of objects are highlighted. Methods of determining the masonry compressive strength in existing structures while taking into account the reliability theory are given. A combination of nondestructive and destructive tests is proposed as the basis for determining the masonry strength parameters. Practical solutions for determination of design masonry strength were given which can be used in assessing the safety of massive brick walls and pillars constituting important structural elements of existing masonry buildings.