Author

A. VANIN and P. FORABOSCHI

Dipartimento di Costruzione dell’Architettura. Università IUAV di Venezia

Abstract

A simplified method of non-linear static analysis to evaluate the in-plane load capacity of masonry panels in buildings subject to earthquake loads is proposed. For masonry walls, a strut and tie model is adopted, which simulates the behaviour of the walls in the uncracked, cracked and post-cracking phases. All levels in multi-storey buildings are analysed separately.

For each wall, the horizontal force vs. displacement curve is obtained, by means of a procedure that allows the non-linear reserve of the wall to be included. This curve is idealised into a an equivalent bilateral curve. Using the idealised bilateral curve, the greatest value of horizontal force and horizontal displacement supported by the wall at each storey level are evaluated. These values may then be compared to the horizontal force and displacement values due to the seismic action expected at the site where the building is placed, in order to evaluate its seismic safety. The method has been applied to a case study and the results indicate that when non-linear strength reserves are included in the analysis, the need for invasive strengthening to achieve “seismic safety” can be avoided.