Among the different non-destructive tests used to carry out an exhaustive survey about the mechanical and durability characteristics of a masonry made of solid tile-bricks, the ultrasonic method has experienced a wide diffusion thanks to its low costs and to its easiness of use; the method essentially consists in detecting the propagation velocity of ultrasonic pulses propagating through a soli...

Masonry cavity walls are loaded by wind pressure and vertical load from upper floors. These loads results in bending moments and compression forces in the ties connecting the outer and the inner wall in a cavity wall. Large cavity walls are furthermore loaded by differential movements from the temperature gradient between the outer and the inner wall, which results in critical increase of the b...

In this work, a simple and effective Rigid Beam Model recently introduced for studying the dynamic behaviour of ancient freestanding stone columns is extended to case cantilever unreinforced masonry walls, considered along their thickness subjected out-of-plane loading. Both monolithic multi-block walls were investigated. The proposed model assumes each block wall as rigid beam element interfac...

The preservation and definition of the correct retrofitting interventions historic masonry buildings represents a relevant topic nowadays, especially in country characterized by high seismicity zones. Considering Italian Cultural Heritage, most these are constructed ancient unreinforced (URM) showed level vulnerability during recent 2009 (L’Aquila), 2012 (Emilia Romagna) 2016 (Centro Italia) ea...

The present study aims to determine the Rapid Visual Screening (RVS) basic scores for four representative Unreinforced Masonry (URM) and their corresponding Confined (CM) buildings. Two types of analysis were carried out on finite element models: modal push-over analysis. It was observed that confining URM walls with horizontal vertical RC ties leads a significant improvement in both ultimate s...

Historical structures represent a significant percentage of existing constructions in numerous seismic-prone regions, and some these are iconic monuments their countries [...]

(5) The limited access zone shall remain in place until the wall is adequately supported to prevent overturning and to prevent collapse unless the height of wall is over eight feet, in which case, the limited access zone shall remain in place until the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section have been met. (b) All masonry walls over eight feet in height shall be adequately braced to preve...