Structural reliability for two storey Italian masonry building

Two storey masonry dwellings are a common feature of the countryside in the northern regions of Italy, they are often clumped in small groups on the hillsides, with market type gardens surrounding. This structural type represents one of the most significant contributors to deaths in earthquakes in Italy and has done so for a long time. Benedetti and Pezzoli [1] completed a series of shaking table tests on model two storey dwellings using the common characteristics of the northern Italian region. Limited work has been completed on Structural Reliability measures for masonry, with Stewart and Lawrence providing the clear starting point for walls [2]. A Structural Reliability model will be established for the key structural elements and connections for the sample two storey masonry dwellings tested by Benedetti and Pezzoli. The key objective of this paper is to determine the existing extent information for the different elements of the model and to determine the research required to provide a reasonably uniform reliability level for this type of structure. A uniform reliability level is a cornerstone of the method outlined by Melchers [3].