The Use of Probabilistic Methods in Assessing the Reliability of Masonry Structures

Most of the construction works carried out on masonry objects are associated with the strengthening of existing elements or assessment of their load capacity to additional load resulting from the change of use. In this situation, the proposed design solutions should always be part of a comprehensive design assessment taking into account the relevant inputs and including information on the actual material properties and the effects of interactions. The use of probabilistic design to evaluate masonry structures enables more economical approach to the issue of possible repairs and reinforcement than the commonly used method of partial factors.In the paper the normalized procedure of semi-probabilistic calculation of load capacity of masonry units and full probabilistic design, recommended in Eurocode 0 [1] are presented and compared. Because of the natural variability of the masonry structures, the information on its real mechanical properties should be obtained from in situ studies. Due to the lack of sufficient number of tests carried out on the masonry structures as well as unknown variation coefficients and distribution parameters, the analyses conducted in the article are limited to basic variables adopted for the probabilistic model based on experimental results described in the literature. The influence of each variable on the reliability index by providing sensitivity coefficients was determined. The basic element of masonry structures such as the lintel masonry was the subject of the analysis.