MOSOARCA, MARIUS1; PETRUS, CRISTIAN2; STOIAN VALERIU3; ANASTASIADIS, ANTHIMOS4

1) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng., S.C. H.I.Struct S.R.L. & “Politehnica” University of Timisoara, mmosoarca@histruct.ro

2) PhD. Stud. Eng., S.C. H.I.Struct S.R.L. & “Politehnica” University of Timisoara, cristian.petrus@student.upt.ro

3) Prof. Dr. Eng., S.C. H.I.Struct S.R.L. & “Politehnica” University of Timisoara, valeriu.stoian@upt.ro

4) Dr. Eng., S.C. H.I.Struct S.R.L. & ASA Structural Consultants Thessaloniki, anastasiadisa@hol.gr

The paper briefly presents the seismic vulnerability of RC frame structures with masonry infills from Banat region, Romania. The largest city from this region is Timisoara, which has an extensive heritage of old masonry buildings. With the evolution of design codes, the construction techniques evolved towards a trend of buildings with RC frames and masonry infill panels. After 1990 several structural interventions were made on already constructed buildings, which altered mainly the rigidity and thus increasing their seismic vulnerability. The Banat region is a medium to high seismic zone subjected by shallow crustal earthquakes; it is characterized by an increased action of the vertical components. Lacking for ductility detailing as well as uncontrolled strength and rigidity distribution, the buildings with RC frames and masonry infill walls present in Timisoara can develop unfavourable failure modes. Consolidation measures are proposed which can improve the overall seismic behaviour and provide a degree of sustainability.

Keywords: Seismic vulnerability, masonry infills, Banat region, design codes