Earthquake Resistant Confined Masonary Construction

In the last few decades, a considerable amount of experimental and analytical research on the seismic behaviour of masonry walls and buildings has been carried out. The investigations resulted in the development of methods for seismic analysis and design, as well as new technologies and construction systems. After many centuries of traditional use and decades of allowable stress design, clear concepts for limit state verification of masonry buildings under earthquake loading have recently been introduced in codes of practice. Although this book is not a review of the state-of-the-art of masonry structures in earthquake zones, an attempt has been made to balance the discussion on recent code requirements, state-of-the-art methods of earthquake-resistant design and the author's research work, in order to render the book useful for a broader application in design practice. An attempt has also been made to present, in a condensed but easy to understand way, all the information needed for earthquake-resistant design of masonry buildings constructed using traditional systems. The basic concepts of limit state verification are presented and equations for seismic resistance verification of masonry walls of all types of construction, (unreinforced, confined and reinforced) as well as masonry-infilled reinforced concrete frames, are addressed. A method for seismic resistance verification, compatible with recent code requirements, is also discussed. In all cases, experimental results are used to explain the proposed methods and equations. An important part of this book is dedicated to the discussion of the problems of repair, retrofit and rehabilitation of existing masonry buildings, including historical structures in urban centres. Methods of strengthening masonry walls as well as improving the structural integrity of existing buildings are described in detail. Wherever possible, experimental evidence regarding the effectiveness of the proposed strengthening methods is given. Contents:Earthquakes and Seismic Performance of Masonry BuildingsMasonry Materials and Construction SystemsArchitectural and Structural Concepts of Earthquake-Resistant Building ConfigurationFloors and RoofsBasic Concepts of Limit States Verification of Seismic Resistance of Masonry BuildingsSeismic Resistance Verification of Structural WallsMasonry Infilled Reinforced Concrete FramesSeismic Resistance Verification of Masonry BuildingsRepair and Strengthening of Masonry Buildings Readership: Practising engineers and students.

This monograph is written for building professionals interested in learning more about confined masonry construction and for those who would like to promote its application in countries with high earthquake risk. Confined masonry has evolved over the last hundred years through an informal process based on its satisfactory performance in past earthquakes in countries and regions of extremely high seismic risk. It is used both for non-engineered and engineered construction; its field applications range from one- and two-storey single-family dwellings to six-storey apartment buildings.

During earthquakes, masonry buildings are the most affected, and consequently, damage to these buildings leads to massive loss of life and property. Masonry buildings comprise probably the greatest share of overall housing stock, and in turn, understanding their performance during earthquakes is a pivotal problem in seismic regions. Masonry Construction in Active Seismic Regions presents details on the kinds of masonry building found in seismic regions of the world. The title describes interventions, such as retrofitted solutions, dynamic identification, and improved construction after earthquakes, that are equally applicable to regions of moderate and high seismicity. The book covers representative masonry buildings from active seismic regions, the material properties of masonry construction, numerical modelling techniques and computational advances, seismic performance of non-engineered masonry buildings, resilience in typical construction, retrofitting, and the cultural values and structural characterization of heritage masonry buildings in active seismic regions. This book is unique in its global and systematic coverage of masonry construction in seismic regions. Identifies the material properties of masonry construction from a seismic perspective Covers representative masonry buildings from active seismic regions, providing a benchmark to understand existing building stocks Provides numerical modelling techniques and reviews computational advances, including a large test database Details the seismic performance of non-engineered masonry buildings, as well as the cultural values and structural characterisation of heritage masonry constructions Analyses typical or vernacular constructions which have earthquake resilient features, such as Dhajji-Dewari, Borbone, Pombalino, and Himis

This Guide is intended for the training of professional masons in confined masonry. It can be used as a building guide at construction sites or as a training resource. It is presented in a simple manner and explains in a step-by-step sequence how to build a one or two-storey confined masonry house.

"In many of the most earthquake-prone areas of the world, low-rise houses, built by masons without formal training or self-built, are vulnerable to collapse. This guide focuses on the confined masonry technique which offers excellent results of earthquake resistance in countries where it is part of the building code. They have been developed by practitioners rather than by engineers, and therefore respond well to the technical and financial capacities of small-scale contractors and self-builders. Confined masonry uses the same materials as the widely used reinforced-concrete frame technique, but in a different sequence, making the system more simple and forgiving. Constructing Low-rise Confined Masonry Buildings describes these techniques with clear and concise instructions. Punctuated regularly with illustrations and photos throughout, this guide carefully describes basic rules for the selection of safe building sites and for house layouts, whilst giving detailed instructions on the construction process. Photos include examples to highlight both safe and unsafe practices paired with clear explanations. The guide gives indications on practical detailing of confined masonry but also includes basic information on good construction practice in general. This is an essential handbook for building technicians, construction managers, architects and students of architecture and civil engineering in areas regularly affected by earthquakes or for those following practical training on confined masonry building sites"--