Seismic design of masonry structures

As a result of experimental and analytical research in seismic behaviour of masonry structures in the last few decades, new methods for seismic resistance analysis and design, as well as new, seismic resistant technologies and construction systems have been developed. After many centuries of traditional use, and decades of allowable stresses verification, clear concepts for limit states verification of seismic resistance of masonry structures have been introduced in the seismic codes. In this review, some basic aspects of seismic resistance verification of masonry walls and buildings are discussed, and some suggestions for future research are given.