Collapse Mechanisms and Simplistic Seismic Evaluation of Non-Engineered Brick Masonry Houses

Abstract eng:
Masonry buildings usually occupy a major percentage of the construction type in many developing countries. Unfortunately, most of these buildings are either weak against earthquakes or severely deteriorated over the structure’s lifetime. Due to the large number of existing masonry buildings, a fast screening and objective evaluation tool is necessary. This study attempts to identify the major structural vulnerabilities of masonry buildings depending on the floor system and wall properties. A reinforced concrete floor would enable rigid diaphragm behavior while wooden logs placed to support commonly heavy earthen roofs generally concentrate vertical and horizontal loads on the two supporting and parallel walls that logs are supported. In-plane and out-of-plane capacities of the walls and load demands were calculated using linear analysis and ultimate state failure patterns assuming the failure will be brittle beyond the linear range. Vulnerability assessment was conducted using a macro based spread sheet program, which may also be utilized by survey engineers or technicians using mobile tablet PCs. Visual inspection results were also incorporated for apparent degradation of aging masonry buildings although doing so would add a certain level of subjectivity. An example was provided to demonstrate the use of evaluation strategy.

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