CONTRIBUTION OF NON-STRUCTURAL MASONRY WALLS TO THE ROBUSTNESS OF RC FRAMED STRUCTURES WHEN SUBJECTED TO EXTREME EVENTS

The main objective of this work is to evaluate the viability of using non-structural masonry walls as a reserve of robustness of reinforced concrete (RC) framed structures when submitted to unforeseen extreme events. First, the concept of structural robustness is discussed and then its importance in the mitigation of consequences of damages resulting from extreme events is addressed. Following this, the influence of non-structural masonry walls on the behaviour of RC buildings subjected to a localized column failure, as a result of an unforeseen extreme event, is analysed. Finally, damaged buildings are presented as case studies, and main conclusions are presented.