NONLINEAR BEHAVIOR OF EXISTING MASONRY STRUCTURES: AN APPLICATION TO A CASE STUDY WITH DIFFERENT STRUCTURAL CONFIGURATIONS

Numerical simulations and computational methods are directly connected to structures strength models and modeling criteria. This work refers to masonry elements, in particular to the piers and spandrels strength models according to the Italian Design Code. These models are firstly reviewed in a dimensionless form, then applied to a parametric analysis comparing the results obtained by varying masonry strength and in-plane floor flexibility. The masonry buildings seismic behavior is analyzed by performing pushover analyses according to the equivalent frame model on an ideal case study, which is replicated with the same geometric and dimensional characteristics but with different masonry types and floor behaviors. The aim is to evaluate the influence of masonry strength and floor stiffness on the global response. Fi- nally, fragility curves are derived and compared to literature ones.