Flexural strength-ductility assessment of unreinforced masonry cross-sections: analytical expressions

Starting from these statements, the aim of the paper is to provide closed-form equations useful for a preliminary strength and ductility assessment of unreinforced masonry rectangular cross-sections. Expressions for direct calculation of M-N (bending moment - axial load) strength domains and M-χ (moment - curvature) ductility diagrams for different constitutive laws are provided. The expressions are firstly applied to a representative URM cross-section and secondarily used for the numerical simulation of a recent out-of-plane loading experimental test available in the literature. For a better comprehension of URM members behavior under axial-bending loading condition, 3D M-N-χ diagrams are presented in the paper.