Nonlinear modeling of the seismic response of masonry structures: critical review and open issues towards engineering practice

This paper provides a comphrensive review of the critical aspects nonlinear modeling for evaluating seismic response masonry structures, emphasizing issues relevant to engineering practice. Currently, specialized technical community shares opinion that, performance-based approach, numerical models are only tools sufficiently effective support assessment existing buildings. However, their potential often falls short when attempting accurately describe behavior structures. In fact, these structures feature highly complex architectural configurations, different types, and various structural solutions, meaning that extra care is required in modeling. especially true modelers do not have solid background software chosen may be practiced using vast variety options offered by houses. They unaware consequences questionable choices on results obtained models. These extremely topics treated from an practice perspective, providing in-depth overview challenging related use strategies. The covers strategies ranging Equivalent Frame approach (widely used common practice) more refined techniques like 2D 3D Finite Element procedures based continuous, discrete, micro-mechanical approaches. Critical both in- out-of-plane responses masonry, as well wall-to-wall connections diaphragm roles investigated. All examined clarified through examples highlighting also how consistent integrated beneficial. Finally, some most concerning with static presented discussed.