Strengthening System Effects on the Out-Of-Plane Mechanisms Activation of Masonry Walls under Tsunami Loads

Abstract

The vulnerability of masonry structures against tsunami loads is a highly debated topic in the research community due to the impact in the risk evaluation. The main aim of this paper is to examine the structural response of masonry walls against tsunami loads in terms of out-of-plane local mechanism activation. Furthermore, a critical discussion is proposed about the influence of strengthening system parameters on the out-of-plane response of the masonry wall. Results of parametric analyses are shown in dimensionless form to analyse the effects of main parameters, both for masonry walls and tsunami waves, on the structural response. The analyses results are the bases to design strengthening systems with fiber-reinforced composite materials in order to reduce the vulnerability of masonry structures under tsunami loads.