Features of the Masonry Structure Calculation with Vertical Ring Beams based on the European Standards

Abstract

The design of masonry structures should remain a combination of traditional and modern knowledge. The Eurocodes in the field of the design of earthquake-resistant masonry structures, carry mostly acceptable and expected recommendations and requirements. This paper shows that they contain less acceptable principles, which require further experimental and analytical studies. Particularly it should be noted that Eurocode knows only a shearing mechanism by the horizontal coupling, although during the seismic load, the fracture usually occurs due to exceeding the main tensile stress, which manifests by opening diagonal cracks. The mechanism of the horizontal shearing by Eurocode is treated as critical for the seismic resistance of most masonry buildings, thus the masonry structure is attributed as sufficiently secure, although its actual seismic resistance would be far below from the required.