Characteristics of the destroyed masonry structures in Wenchuan Earthquake and its numeric simulation

Masonry structures are seriously destroyed in Wenchuan Earthquake. The mainly failure characteristics of the damaged houses and buildings are that integrity of the structures is poor, and the joint in the components is very weak. Collapse and destroyed of the whole structure are usually caused by collapse of the wall. Failure modes and its developing trend of the masonry structures under earthquake action are simulated by finite element method in this paper. Results show: Reliability of masonry structure is determined by the strength of itself. Capacities of collapse resistance can be strengthened by improving integrity. The stiffness is a key role, but the ductility is difficult to be displayed. Integrity of masonry building with structure column and ring girder is increased, and its capacity is also improved. The strength of first story would be increased.