Recieved:

02/12/2023

Accepted:

22/01/2024

Page: 

1085

1107

doi:

http://dx.doi.org/10.17515/resm2024.106ea1202rs

Views:

811
Cited 2 times

Observed failure modes in existing URM buildings after November 26, 2019 earthquake in Albania

Enio Deneko1, Hüseyin Bilgin2

1Faculty of Civil Engineering, Polytechnic University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
2Department of Civil Engineering, EPOKA University, Tirana, Albania

Abstract

This study explores the vulnerability of Unreinforced Masonry (URM) structures to seismic events, aiming to uncover the causes of failure and propose reconstruction strategies. Despite often being devastated in powerful earthquakes, URM buildings show damage even in mild to moderate seismic events. Field assessments after a magnitude 6.4 earthquake near Durres, Albania, in 2019, revealed severe damage in masonry buildings and adobe dwellings. Weak structural connections, insufficient roof support, and the absence of bond beams in load-bearing walls were identified as key contributors to the observed damage. The survival of masonry buildings post-earthquake does not guarantee seismic safety. The study recommends reinforcement techniques like shotcrete application, space reduction, and corner reinforcement, along with innovative methods such as Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) use, for existing undamaged unreinforced buildings. These measures aim to prevent damage in the aftermath of destructive earthquakes, offering insights for the resilience of URM structures.

Keywords

URM buildings; Failure modes; Structural weaknesses; Retrofitting
Cited 2 times in the last 5 years and 2 times in total in articles indexed in Scopus.

Cite this article as: 

Deneko E, Bilgin H. Observed failure modes in existing URM buildings after November 26, 2019 earthquake in Albania. Res. Eng. Struct. Mater., 2024; 10(3): 1085-1107.
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