Rubble masonry response under cyclic actions: Experimental tests and theoretical models

The presented research investigates the problem of assessing the seismic resistance of rubble masonry walls to normal lateral forces. Published research on this topic is sparse and reliable data on existing rubble masonry are still lacking. In particular, further studies are required when disconnected rubble walls are rocking out-of-plane with fully cracked sections. This subject was addressed by on-site experimental tests of full-scale elements. The selected case studies are located in Italy, in regions prone to earthquakes, which were sites of devastating seismic sequences in the past. Numerical predictions of the overturning forces and displacements required to cause failures of isolated walls are compared with the results of the quasi-static experiments using force-equilibrium formulations. An improvement in the existing procedures to evaluate masonry vulnerability under seismic loads is presented along with recommendations for the selection of an appropriate level of degradation, especially for rubble works.