Vulnerability Assessment of Historic Masonry Structures

Dear Colleagues,

Despite the plethora of research work published in the last three decades, the assessment of seismic vulnerability of Historic Masonry Structures remains an open issue. At the same time, this important field of research also remains a challenge for the practicing civil engineer. Reliable simulations of the response of Historic Masonry Structures to seismic demands are exceedingly difficult due to the complexity of the structural system, as well as due to the the anisotropic and brittle behavior of the masonry materials. The probabilistic nature of the input parameters accentuates the simulation complexity and greatly influences the vulnerability assessment outcome. The input parameters include the numerical values of the mechanical characteristics of the masonry materials, which are notoriously non-homogeneous in the overall structure and/or not measured with sufficient accuracy (due to the measurements performed for their determination and the instruments with which the measurements have been performed, and, of course, due to sampling limitations).

The focus of this Special Issue is on the use of computational methods for the modeling and the assessment of masonry structural systems, as well on restoration techniques. Articles submitted to this Special Issue can also be concerned with the most significant recent developments in restoration materials and techniques related to masonry structures. We invite researchers to contribute with original research articles, as well as review articles, that will stimulate the continuing research effort on Historic Masonry Structures.

Prof. Dr. Panagiotis G. Asteris
Prof. Dr. Humberto Varum
Guest Editors

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• History of construction and building technology
• Theory and practice of conservation
• Inspection methods, non-destructive techniques and laboratory testing
• Numerical modeling and structural analysis
• Fragility curves
• Soft computing techniques
• Management of heritage structures and conservation strategies
• Structural health monitoring
• Repair and strengthening strategies and techniques
• Historical and compatible restoration mortars
• Vernacular constructions
• Seismic analysis and retrofit
• Vulnerability and risk analysis
• Durability and sustainability
• Interdisciplinary projects and case studies