Masonry Buldings' Seismic Failures

The document is a teamwork coordinated by Stephanos E. Dritsos, and material has been shared between the authors. However, the proposal of each chapter was drafted by a leading author, in the following chapter order: Jon Moseley (Chapter 1), Andreas Lampropoulos (Chapter 2), Eftychia Apostolidi (Chapter 3), and Christos Giarlelis (Chapter 4). This document concerns reinforced concrete buildings and masonry buildings. It attempts to categorize the types of seismic failures, explain the reasons of each failure, and propose good practices to avoid such a failure. Suggestions for pre-earthquake strengthening of weak structures or elements together with post-earthquake retrofitting measures when damage has occurred are also presented. This document is intended as a comprehensive educational reference textbook to benefit the engineering society and our society as a whole community. In addition, it is aimed at all classes of engineers from novice to expert, as well as students, and it could be a unique document that may be of considerable benefit to the IABSE community and practicing civil and structural engineers in general. It may have considerable impact in developing countries where the infrastructure is still being built, because it addresses, among other things, non-engineered construction practice. The document’s purpose is to give background information, stimulate focus on the earthquake problem, extend knowledge concerning earthquakes, and to give ideas and reassurance to those faced with the task of building a safer future for the public and to save lives