Seismic Performance Assessment of Low-Rise Unreinforced and Confined Brick Masonry School Buildings Using the Applied Element Method

Masonry buildings are generally vulnerable to seismic action, as evidenced extensively in past earthquakes. In order improve their performance, several modifications have been introduced, such reinforcing or confining the masonry. This paper presents a analysis and fragility assessment procedure for non-engineered masonry building typologies, employing applied element method (AEM). Compared with stiff diaphragms, conventional pushover-based is challenging of flexible due lack global box-like behaviour. study first novel validated nonlinear pushover analysis, independent type diaphragm action on building, by applying incremental ground acceleration considering suitable engineering demand parameters lateral capacity. Based failure mechanisms, performance evaluation approach then proposed, reliable accounting both in-plane out-of-plane modes. Finally, proposed methodology number unreinforced confined school different detailing levels, often found Himalayan belt beyond.