Displacement-Based Seismic Assessment of Low-Height Confined Masonry Buildings

This paper presents a practical displacement-based evaluation procedure for the seismic assessment of low-height regular confined masonry buildings. First, the so-called Coefficient Method established in several FEMA documents is adapted to obtain rapid estimates of inelastic roof displacement demands for regular confined masonry buildings. For that purpose, a statistical study of constant relative strength inelastic displacement ratios of single-degree-of-freedom systems representing confined masonry buildings is carried out. Second, a nonlinear simplified model is introduced to perform pushover analysis of regular confined masonry buildings whose global and local behavior is dominated by shear deformations in the masonry walls. The model, which can be applied through the use of commercial software, can be used to establish the capacity curve of such buildings. Finally, the evaluation procedure is applied to a three-story building tested at a shaking table testing facility.