Assessment of the seismic performances of modern unreinforced multi-storey clay masonry buildings

This paper presents an overall summary of a recent research project aiming at the
validation of structural solutions using unreinforced load-bearing clay masonry for family
houses and multi-storey buildings fulfilling the requirements of Eurocode 8 for low to moderate
seismic areas. The paper covers the following issues: (i) Presentation of a database of
typical buildings for the considered geographical area; (ii) Collection of the mechanical
properties for the different material entering into the design; (iii) Assessment of the seismic
behaviour of the configurations of the data-base, using the experimentally characterised material
properties. The analysis is carried out by a pushover procedure using an equivalent
frame modelling for describing the global structural behaviour. Results are evaluated on the
base of the N2-method. General outcomes of the study are expressed in terms of overall seismic
resistance for the required ground acceleration level of the zones (typically 0.1 to 015g)
and of forces to be transferred at the floor-to-wall connections.