Original scientific paper Reinforced-concrete (R/C) frames infilled with masonry wall, especially with the presence of an opening, are insufficiently explored structural elements. We have experimentally investigated influence of the opening’s type and position to the lateral response of reinforced-concrete frames with masonry infill. Correction factors, that take into account influence of the o...

Masonry in one form or another is used in most areas of the world that are prone to interplate or intraplate earthquakes. Masonry structures constructed from traditionally fired or stone bricks have one characteristic that sets them apart from most other structures. If a masonry building is well constructed, it can last for millenniums. Research in the field of Damage Mechanics has identified t...

This paper presents first a valid, fully non-linear 2-D numerical model that can capture realistically the in-plane hysteretic behaviour of reinforced concrete (R/C) frames with masonry infills when they are subjected to combined vertical and cyclic horizontal loads in order to predict their post-elastic earthquake bahaviour. The effectiveness of this simulation was validated by comparing the n...

An accurate evaluation of the non-linear behavior of masonry structural elements in existing buildings still represents a complex issue that rigorously requires non-linear finite element strategies difficult to apply to real large structures. Nevertheless, for the static and seismic assessment of existing structures, involving the contribution of masonry materials, engineers need reliable and e...

The penetration of rainwater through walls depends on the following combination of conditions: • the presence of water • openings in the assembly that permit water to enter • forces that can move water through the assembly. The control of rainwater penetration depends on being able to control any one or all of these conditions. Rain penetration creates problems ranging from damage to interior f...

Masonry buildings, when subjected to external temperature fluctuations, tend to regulate them either by storing heat in their thermal mass or by offering it back to the interior, with a time lag depending on the thermal capacity of the building and characterized mainly by the overall mass of the masonry. This time lag may vary from a few hours when lightweight masonry is concerned to several da...

This paper is in two parts; firstly a method of numerical modelling is described that is being used to investigate the performance of masonry strengthening; secondly how more pragmatic approaches are being used for localised masonry repairs with examples taken from the Mosque of al Ghuri, Cairo. Numerical modelling based on a discrete element formulation has been employed to simulate the respon...

Non-linear static analyses are the most effective way to predict force-displacement curves of masonry structures, due to the complex non linear behaviour of masonry panels which makes inadequate any kind of linear static analyses. Nevertheless, the choice of the appropriate model to use is a matter of paramount importance, as many aspects must be taken into account in order to reach a good appr...

The main purpose of this paper is to give an overview on the state of the art of inspection, assessment and maintenance of masonry arch railway bridges by the presentation of the results of an ongoing international research project run by the International Union of Railways (UIC) with the participation of 14 railway administrations. The survey has shown that the European railways partaking in t...