An Analytical Modeling Framework for the Seismic Risk Assessment of Unreinforced Masonry Structures

This paper investigates an analytical framework for the seismic risk assessment of unreinforced masonry (URM) building structures. Integral to each URM building model with door and window perforations is a macro-element that represents each solid masonry panel within the structure. The macro-element includes multiple discrete elements to model different characteristics of unreinforced masonry behavior, including sliding, rocking, and diagonal tension/compression. Validation of the model is conducted through comparison of the analytical predictions with observed behavior from previous masonry tests. The simplicity of the macro-element modeling approach together with its material/geometry-based ability to predict URM behavior permits the semi-automatic extension of this framework to a wide range of analyses (e.g., ground motion records, material properties, building geometry, transverse walls).