Securing of unreinforced masonry parapets and facades - from fundamental research to national policy

Abstract

The study of unreinforced masonry buildings and their performance in earthquakes is a topic that has led to strong Australasian collaboration amongst masonry researchers over the last decade, that has resulted in significant advances in knowledge and empirical evidence, comprehensive capture of post-earthquake ‘perishable data’, the development of new numerical assessment and design procedures, and the training of a new generation of masonry researchers. These efforts have significantly influenced national policy and professional practice, particularly in New Zealand. A chronology of these events is reported.