Characterisation of the masonry building stock in Portugal for earthquake risk assessment

Abstract

According to the latest national housing census, masonry buildings represent more than half of the Portuguese buildings stock and houses over 40% of the population. Due to their low tensile strength, massive weight, and inadequate maintenance, these buildings are prone to damage due to ground shaking. In this study, a characterisation of the geometric and mechanical properties of the two most common types of masonry buildings in Portugal (limestone and granite) is presented. This characterisation is based on the detailed revision of technical specifications and drawings from more than 200 buildings from different parts of the country. The evaluation of the collected data allowed defining statistical models for the most relevant geometric and mechanical properties, which can be used in the development of analytical vulnerability models. This study contributes to the understanding of the seismic vulnerability of this important type of construction in Portugal, and its results can be used directly in seismic risk assessment at the national scale.