Evaluation of an Approximate Seismic Assessment Procedure for Load-Bearing Masonry Buildings

Abstract

The Building Inspection Priority Index (BIPI) method for masonry structures is an approximate procedure for the preliminary assessment of the seismic capacity of existing load-bearing masonry buildings and for the prioritization of each building for conducting third-tier seismic assessments. This study investigates the applicability and reliability of the BIPI method by evaluating the seismic adequacy of four existing masonry buildings, located in Epirus and Central Macedonia, Greece, and by comparing the results with the damage sustained by these buildings during previous strong earthquakes.

Keywords

• first-tier procedures
• second-tier procedures
• seismic assessment
• masonry buildings
• experimental study