Block models have been shown to provide a realistic representation of the behavior of many types of masonry structures under static and dynamic loads. When the strength of the units is such that movements along the joints govern the behavior, it is acceptable to make the simplifying assumption that blocks act as rigid bodies. This assumption is particularly useful when dealing with seismic prob...

Various methodologies are available today in engineering professional practice to analyse structures, in particular in the field of masonry structures. Many of the methods are derived from reinforced concrete frames but sometimes they suffer of lack of comprehensive experimental validation due to difficulties to simulate the many different kinds of masonries and they suffer from lack of critica...

Due to their physical and chemical properties, mortars made with lime are considered to be more compatible with historic fabrics than those made with artificial cements. This paper explores the mechanical properties of clay brick masonry bound with hydraulic limes of different strengths, and hydrated calcium lime (CL90-s) with no hydraulic properties. Masonry wallettes built with a CL90-s morta...

The problem of structural stability of two medieval masonry towers is addressed. The geometrical and structural aspects of the towers were analysed and non-destructive tests were performed to assess the evolution of damage phenomena. The damage processes underway in some portions of the masonry were monitored using the Acoustic Emission (AE) technique. This method makes it possible to estimate ...

Despite considerable experimental and analytical research in the past, modern regulations still adopt very conservative simplified formulas for the compressive strength of masonry. The present paper contributes to the understanding of masonry under compression, using a novel non-linear homogenisation tool that includes the possibility of tensile and compressive progressive damage, both in the u...

This paper describes the development and investigation of a multi-spectral laser scanner for non destructive diagnosis of damages on building surfaces. The application of four semiconductor lasers as defined active light source, especially in infrared wavelengths, allows the detection of damages like moisture, salt blooming and biological covering. Different methods for the evaluation of multis...

Haiti is not alone amongst developing nations that have suffered losses due to the poor construction of concrete and masonry structures in an earthquake. In the wake of the disaster, a considerable amount of public sympathy and substantial funding was raised that supported short term, front line activities. However, there is little recognition of the need for adequately funded systems of organi...

confined masonry buildings are used in rural and urban areas of iran. they performed almost satisfactoryduring past moderate earthquakes of iran. there is not a methodology in iranian seismic code (standard 2800-3rdedition) to estimate their capacities quantitatively. in line with removing this constraint, an attempt is made to studyin-plane behavior of two squared confined masonry walls with a...

A mechanical device especially designed for the application of low-level posttensioning forces to glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars was developed at the University of Missouri-Rolla. Some of the advantageous features of this device are that it is simple to assemble and the low-level post-tensioning forces can be applied manually and safely without the need for hydraulic jacks or heavy ...