Evaluation of simplified models for lateral load analysis of unreinforced masonry buildings

The paper aims at evaluating the relative accuracy of different models, mainly intended for use by practicing engineers, for the analysis of unreinforced masonry buildings, and to determine whether, and under what conditions, a simple equivalent frame model can be used for design and/or assessment purposes. Several parametric analyses involving finite element (FE) models of two-dimensional and three-dimensional structures have been performed, first in the elastic range, using both refined and coarse planar meshes. They were followed by analyses of the same structures using equivalent frames with alternative arrangements of rigid offsets. Subsequently, two-dimensional nonlinear static (pushover) analyses of both FE and equivalent frame models were performed to check the validity of the conclusions drawn from the elastic analysis. The results presented herein shed some further light on the feasibility of using simplified and cost-effective analytical models as a tool for practical design and/or assessment of typical masonry structures.