Comprehensive numerical approaches for the design and safety assessment of masonry buildings retrofitted with steel bands in developing countries: The case of India

• Ready-to-use non-linear static FE models for masonry buildings in developing countries.
• Utilization of two 3D FE models and one equivalent frame approach.
• Utilization of elastic perfectly-plastic and elasto-damaging full 3D FE models.
• Reinforcement with steel bands designed to remain in the elastic phase.
• Proposal of simplified formulas for the immediate evaluation of the load carrying capacity.

Three alternative numerical strategies ready-to-use by a common practitioner and directly implementable in commercial codes are critically compared in the prediction of the non-linear behavior of a small masonry building prototype, with an estimation of the efficiency of masonry retrofitting by means of traditional strengthening with steel bands.The aim of the approach proposed is to put at disposal to practitioners working in developing countries, simple but effective numerical instruments to have a reliable evaluation of the load carrying capacity of existing buildings and to propose the most suitable strengthening intervention, with a quantitative indication of the vulnerability reduction.