Strengthening of Old Masonry Houses for Seismic Loads

Abstract

This chapter investigates the influence of different types of floors and tying of walls with steel ties on seismic behavior by subjecting a series of models of simple two-storey masonry houses with identical structural configuration to simulated seismic ground motion. It is found that existing urban and rural masonry houses can be strengthened to meet the up-to-date requirements of seismic resistant construction. The chapter determines mechanical characteristics of existing masonry materials and presents in-situ laboratory test reports of the efficiency of technical measures for strengthening the existing masonry walls. Technological solutions for strengthening existing, traditionally constructed masonry walls depend on the type and quality of masonry materials. The chapter discusses the criteria and possibilities for strengthening of old masonry houses for seismic loads. The only really reliable method of determining the load-carrying capacity of existing old masonry walls involves the carrying out of tests in situ, or cutting out specimens from these walls and testing them in the laboratory. Different methods can be used for strengthening of different types of masonry walls: stone masonry and brick masonry. The good behavior of the strengthened building proves the correctness of idea of strengthening traditionally built, non-engineered masonry houses. In order to reduce the seismic risk of a large number of existing, traditionally built masonry buildings in many parts of the world, ways and means for implementing available knowledge into practice should be found in the nearest future.