Life cycle cost assessment of masonry structures

Abstract

The objective of this study is to propose a life cycle cost (LCC) model able to assess the structural performance of masonry structures. For this purpose the proposed LCC model is used for assessing the structural behaviour of one unreinforced and three retrofitted masonry structures derived following three retrofit scenarios that are suitable for strengthening this type of structures. According to the proposed LCC model the exceedance probabilities required, are calculated by means of fragility analysis (FA). In particular, FA is applied to the unreinforced and retrofitted masonry structures and the limit-states' exceedance frequencies are obtained by convolving fragilities with hazard curve. Life-cycle cost analysis models are recognised as suitable for assessing the structural performance, especially when the structure is expected to be functional for a long period of time. For the needs of the study, linear time history analyses are performed over a large database of natural records.