Masonry is a construction material that has been used throughout the years as a structural or non-structural component in buildings. Masonry can be described as a composite material made up of different units and diverse types of arrangements, with or without mortar, that is used in many ancient public buildings, as well as with the latest technologies being applied in construction. Research in multiple relevant fields, as well as crossing structural with non-structural needs, is crucial for understanding the qualities of existent buildings and to develop new products and construction technologies. This book addresses and promotes the discussion related to the different topics addressing the use of masonry in the construction sciences and in practice, including theory and research, numerical approaches and technical applications in new works, and repair actions and interventions in the built environment, connecting theory and application across topics from academia to industry.

In the last few decades, a considerable amount of experimental and analytical research on the seismic behaviour of masonry walls and buildings has been carried out. The investigations resulted in the development of methods for seismic analysis and design, as well as new technologies and construction systems. After many centuries of traditional use and decades of allowable stress design, clear concepts for limit state verification of masonry buildings under earthquake loading have recently been introduced in codes of practice.Although this book is not a review of the state-of-the-art of masonry structures in earthquake zones, an attempt has been made to balance the discussion on recent code requirements, state-of-the-art methods of earthquake-resistant design and the author's research work, in order to render the book useful for a broader application in design practice. An attempt has also been made to present, in a condensed but easy to understand way, all the information needed for earthquake-resistant design of masonry buildings constructed using traditional systems. The basic concepts of limit state verification are presented and equations for seismic resistance verification of masonry walls of all types of construction, (unreinforced, confined and reinforced) as well as masonry-infilled reinforced concrete frames, are addressed. A method for seismic resistance verification, compatible with recent code requirements, is also discussed. In all cases, experimental results are used to explain the proposed methods and equations.An important part of this book is dedicated to the discussion of the problems of repair, retrofit and rehabilitation of existing masonry buildings, including historical structures in urban centres. Methods of strengthening masonry walls as well as improving the structural integrity of existing buildings are described in detail. Wherever possible, experimental evidence regarding the effectiveness of the proposed strengthening methods is given.

Numerical Modeling of Masonry and Historical Structures: From Theory to Application provides detailed information on the theoretical background and practical guidelines for numerical modeling of unreinforced and reinforced (strengthened) masonry and historical structures. The book consists of four main sections, covering seismic vulnerability analysis of masonry and historical structures, numerical modeling of unreinforced masonry, numerical modeling of FRP-strengthened masonry, and numerical modeling of TRM-strengthened masonry. Each section reflects the theoretical background and current state-of-the art, providing practical guidelines for simulations and the use of input parameters. - Covers important issues relating to advanced methodologies for the seismic vulnerability assessment of masonry and historical structures - Focuses on modeling techniques used for the nonlinear analysis of unreinforced masonry and strengthened masonry structures - Follows a theory to practice approach

During earthquakes, masonry buildings are the most affected, and consequently, damage to these buildings leads to massive loss of life and property. Masonry buildings comprise probably the greatest share of overall housing stock, and in turn, understanding their performance during earthquakes is a pivotal problem in seismic regions. Masonry Construction in Active Seismic Regions presents details on the kinds of masonry building found in seismic regions of the world. The title describes interventions, such as retrofitted solutions, dynamic identification, and improved construction after earthquakes, that are equally applicable to regions of moderate and high seismicity. The book covers representative masonry buildings from active seismic regions, the material properties of masonry construction, numerical modelling techniques and computational advances, seismic performance of non-engineered masonry buildings, resilience in typical construction, retrofitting, and the cultural values and structural characterization of heritage masonry buildings in active seismic regions. This book is unique in its global and systematic coverage of masonry construction in seismic regions. - Identifies the material properties of masonry construction from a seismic perspective - Covers representative masonry buildings from active seismic regions, providing a benchmark to understand existing building stocks - Provides numerical modelling techniques and reviews computational advances, including a large test database - Details the seismic performance of non-engineered masonry buildings, as well as the cultural values and structural characterisation of heritage masonry constructions - Analyses typical or vernacular constructions which have earthquake resilient features, such as Dhajji-Dewari, Borbone, Pombalino, and Himis

Technological evolutions have changed the field of architecture exponentially, leading to more stable and energy-efficient building structures. Architects and engineers must be prepared to further enhance their knowledge in the field in order to effectively meet new and advancing standards. Architecture and Design: Breakthroughs in Research and Practice is an authoritative resource for the latest research on the application of new technologies and digital tools that revolutionize the work of architects globally, aiding in architectural design, planning, implementation, and restoration. Highlighting a range of pertinent topics such as design anthropology, digital preservation, and 3D modeling, this publication is an ideal reference source for researchers, scholars, IT professionals, engineers, architects, contractors, and academicians seeking current research on the development and creation of architectural design.

The experience of people working with different perspectives in different fields of masonry modeling, from mathematics to applied engineering and practice, is brought together in this book. It presents both the theoretical background and an overview of the state-of-the-art in static and dynamic masonry modeling.