Analysis of 5 Floors Brick Masonry Building Type 77/5

The study below presents the main results of numerical analyzes, performed to assess the seismic response of an existing building, with brick masonry, type 77/5. This building is part of the group of 4-5 residential buildings, built in the years 1975-1990, considered as a “TYPE”, each of which was used many times for identical buildings. This project is the result of a collective work of the Design Institute, approved by the Ministry of Construction of that time, and of course, manifests the time limitations and shortcomings. While these 5-story buildings cover a significant percentage of residential buildings, the fundamental question is: “Are these buildings safe under seismic action, while so many families are accommodated on them?” This question stems from the following limitation: - The 77/5 plan derives from regular forms, based on the recommendations of Eurocode 8 [4.2.3.2], p.48, and KTP.N.2-89 (Technical Design Conditions), published by the Academy of Sciences of Albania. - The technical literature provides recommendations and restrictions for masonry buildings with a height of not more than 3 floors. When they exceed this height, they are not included in these recommendations.