Seismic response of stone masonry building with wooden band

Most stone-masonry structures were built at a time when seismic risk was not considered in their design. Recent moderate to strong earthquakes have confirmed the vulnerability of heritage buildings, especially those constructed with unreinforced-masonry materials in various developing countries, worldwide. Proper assessment of the seismic performance and of the potential deficiency of existing heritage structures forms the basis for determining the degree of intervention needed to preserve their heritage values. Analysis of masonry wall confined by wooden band has been carried out using various structural analysis programs. In analysis appropriately considered and introduced link element such as hook, gap and spring at connecting nodes of vertical and horizontal timber elements. The result shows that the traditional floors and spandrels of the existing structure are the vulnerable parts which need strengthening of them to assure the structural members are able to resist seismic vulnerability. The required improvement and strengthening technique in existing building are proposed and better results are marked. The analysis of the modified structure shows considerably improvement in the dynamic characteristics of the buildings and overall structural response of those.