Performance Assessment and Retrofit Strategies for Unreinforced Masonry Structures

This research project provides a detailed investigation into the seismic assessment of Unreinforced Masonry (URM) heritage structures, emphasizing their cultural and historical importance and vulnerability to earthquakes. It focuses on advanced seismic evaluation methods, including 3-D finite element modeling, to address specific challenges such as the unique characteristics of these buildings, like distributed stiffness and mass, and the absence of diaphragm action. The project aims to bridge knowledge gaps in the dynamic, nonlinear behavior of URM structures during seismic events, and involves comparative evaluation of different computational modeling methods. Additionally, it addresses the calibration and validation of computational models, analysis of dynamic response and failure characteristics, and evaluates retrofitting strategies to mitigate seismic risks. The research aligns with international preservation conventions and aims to contribute to the effective seismic risk mitigation strategies for unreinforced masonry heritage buildings.