A review of analytical methods in the current design processes and assessment of performance of masonry structures

Masonry has become a complex construction system in the last 40 years, ranging from ambitious variations of its traditional load bearing role in cellular structures into expressive or highly durable envelopes. As a consequence, design methods and analytical tools have developed to address the complexity of actions or the combination of the constituent materials that can still be defined as units and binder. This paper reviews the current analytical trends with regards to their ability to improve practice in the design of modern structures or the repair of historic fabric. Advancements in homogenisation, micro- and meso-modelling, or limit state are discussed in association with more effective numerical techniques (Finite or Discrete Element), specific experimental evidence that continues the seminal work of Sinha and Hendry, and relevant failure criteria. Although the philosophy of the design codes is still based on yield line analysis, the current trends give insight to complex reaction to loads. The effect of these tools in the study and conservation of historic masonry has allowed an increasingly wide variety of types and forms to be understood and more accurately repaired.