Latest findings on the behaviour factor q for the seismic design of URM buildings

Recent earthquakes as the 2012 Emilia earthquake sequence showed that recently built unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings behaved much better than expected and sustained, despite maximum PGA values ranged between 0.20–0.30 g, either minor damage or structural is deemed repairable. Especially low-rise residential commercial with a code-conforming seismic design detailing in general very well without substantial damages. The low grades of modern was observed during this series highlighted again codified procedures based on linear analysis can be rather conservative. Although advances simulation tools make nonlinear calculation methods more readily accessible to designers, analyses will still standard method for years come. present paper aims improve by providing proper definition q-factor URM buildings. These q-factors are derived rigid diaphragms which represent recent construction practise moderate areas Italy Germany. behaviour factor components deformation energy dissipation capacity overstrength due redistribution forces means pushover analyses. Furthermore, considerations component other sources presented. As result investigations, rationally q used range 2.0–3.0 proposed.