International Journal of Masonry Research and Innovation (10 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Investigation of the effects of high sound level on historical buildings in Erzurum  
  by Dursun Burak Özdoğan, Burak Gedik, Dilek Okuyucu 
  Abstract: Historical buildings represent invaluable components of cultural heritage, necessitating systematic preservation to ensure their longevity and continued cultural relevance. Erzurum, a city with a diverse architectural legacy shaped by various civilisations, hosts numerous historically and architecturally significant mosques. This study investigates the potential structural risks posed by elevated sound levels both environmental and activity-induced on these heritage structures. Sound pressure levels were systematically measured in both inside and outside across 12 historical mosques located in different districts of Erzurum. The results indicate that many of these buildings are exposed to noise levels exceeding the recommended regulatory limit of 55 dBA. Prolonged exposure to such acoustic stressors may accelerate material degradation and adversely affect structural stability. Based on these findings, the study emphasises the urgency of implementing protective and noise mitigation strategies to preserve the structural and cultural integrity of historical buildings under acoustic threat.
  Keywords: historical buildings; sound level; dBA; Erzurum.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMRI.2026.10077020
   
  
• Comparative seismic vulnerability assessment of heritage masonry buildings in Northern Cyprus using Turkish RVS and FEMA-154 methods  
  by Omar Ahmad, Rifat Resatoglu, Shaghayegh Ostovar Ravari 
  Abstract: Seismic vulnerability assessment of masonry buildings is critical in earthquake-prone historic urban areas where traditional construction practices elevate structural risk. In Northern Cyprus, heritage masonry structures constitute a significant portion of the building stock, yet comparative evaluations of rapid visual screening (RVS) methods for this context remain limited. This study applies and compares the Turkish RVS method and FEMA-154 to 112 masonry buildings in historic Nicosia. Field surveys recorded geometric characteristics, material quality, workmanship, structural irregularities, and damage indicators, which were converted into performance scores using both methodologies. The Turkish RVS method classified 26% of buildings as severe, 21% as minor, and 53% as moderate, while FEMA-154 indicated 11% minor, 31% moderate, 47% heavy, and 11% very heavy damage potential. The findings suggest that the Turkish RVS framework provides vulnerability estimates more consistent with local construction characteristics, supporting its suitability for preliminary seismic screening of Cypriot masonry buildings.
  Keywords: FEMA-154; masonry structures; Northern Cyprus; RVS; Turkish RVS.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMRI.2026.10079472
   
  
• Valorisation of a new hydrophobic lime putty enriched with sesame oil for in-situ preparation of restoration mortars  
  by Parsa Pahlavan 
  Abstract: Pre oiled lime putty containing sesame oil was prepared as a field ready binder for restoration mortars. Instead of dosing oil on site, the modified putty was matured for 12 months and then used to produce mortars. The mixes showed pronounced water repellency, stable workability and vapour transfer, and acceptable performance in both laboratory and outdoor freeze-thaw exposures. Using pre-oiled putty streamlines site operations, improves dosing consistency, and yields results comparable to or better than mortars where oil is added during mixing. The approach offers a practical route to manage moisture while maintaining breathability required in conservation work.
  Keywords: air lime; hydrophobic lime putty; organic additives; restoration mortars.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMRI.2026.10080434
   
  
• Simplified methodologies for territorial seismic vulnerability assessment of heritage unreinforced masonry churches: a systematic literature review  
  by Reymarvelos Oros, Carlito Baltazar Tabelin, Raul Lucero Jr., Kent Benedict Salisid, Mylah Villacorte-Tabelin, Theerayut Phengsaart, Einstine M. Opiso, Takahiko Arima, Ivy Corazon Mangaya-ay, Morris Collyer, Joel Opon 
  Abstract: This systematic literature review examines simplified methods for territorial-scale seismic vulnerability assessment of heritage unreinforced masonry (URM) churches. Recognising their fragility and cultural significance, scalable yet reliable assessment tools are essential. Following PRISMA 2020, 1307 articles were screened, with 24 analysed in detail. Four methodological groups emerged: macroelement-based, regression-based, geometric indices, and parameter-based. Macroelements model churches into components to capture collapse mechanisms, while regression approaches correlate structural parameters with observed damage. Geometric indices assess vulnerability via proportions and irregularities, and parameter-based methods assign scores from predefined factors. Macroelements and regression methods offer detailed diagnostics but need extensive data and expertise, whereas geometric and parameter-based methods enable rapid screening with lower input demands. Across all methods, challenges include limited uncertainty treatment, lack of standardisation, and weak integration into decision-making. Probabilistic and hybrid approaches, linked to conservation planning, could enhance both technical rigor and practical utility.
  Keywords: seismic vulnerability; unreinforced masonry churches; heritage conservation; territorial assessment.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMRI.2026.10080435
   
  
• Transforming volcanic waste into ecofriendly sustainable high-performance lightweight concrete  
  by A.B.M. Saiful Islam, Md Akter Hosen, Ayed Eid Alluqmani 
  Abstract: This study aims to explore high-performance lightweight concrete (HPLWC) incorporating locally available Arabian volcanic waste, ensuring that the resulting material is sustainable, durable, and eco-friendly. The production of HPLWC focuses on the utilisation of scoria rock (SR) as coarse aggregate and scoria powder (SP) as a cementitious material. The durability and thermal characteristics of this type of concrete remain significant concerns and are considered alongside other engineering factors. Moreover, a SWOT analysis is conducted to evaluate and reinforce the potential of HPLWC. This sustainable material has the potential to reduce cost constraints in various regions and enhance the global appeal of HPLWC applications. Consequently, the findings play a vital role in advancing the development of HPLWC with superior performance attributes. The adoption of innovative and appropriate strategies to transform volcanic waste into alternative, environmentally sustainable construction materials can support the future construction industry while helping to reduce CO2 emissions.
  Keywords: ecofriendly; high performance; sustainable; lightweight concrete; LWC; volcanic waste; durability; thermal properties.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMRI.2026.10080477
   
  
• Compressive properties of cracked traditional brick masonry: experimental tests and degradation models  
  by Qifang Xie, Wenming Hao, Hairuo Wang, Dunfeng Xu, Yun Zhang 
  Abstract: Each ancient tower suffers varying degrees of damage, with cracking being the most common deterioration. To investigate the compressive properties of traditional brick masonry with initial damage, four traditional brick masonry specimens with different initial crack lengths were tested. The failure mode, compressive strength, stress-strain curve and elastic modulus of the specimens with cracks were analysed. The results indicated that the damage distribution of the specimens with cracks was similar to that of the specimen without crack, but the damage severity increased with the initial damage degree. An increase in the initial damage degree resulted in a progressive reduction in the compressive strength and elastic modulus of the pre-cracked specimens. The constitutive model and degradation models of compressive strength and elastic modulus of cracked traditional brick masonry were proposed. Numerical models of traditional brick masonry with crack and ancient tower wall with crack were subsequently established.
  Keywords: traditional brick masonry; initial cracks; compressive properties; degradation model; constitutive model.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMRI.2026.10080865
   
  

Special Issue on: IB2MaC-2024 Open Challenges in Masonry Modelling and Experimentation

• Advanced modelling strategies for masonry domes: non-linear FEM and limit analysis  
  by Danila Aita, Gabriele Milani, Alberto Taliercio 
  Abstract: This paper presents the results of non-linear finite element analyses carried out using Abaqus CAE software to investigate the collapse behaviour of masonry domes. To consider the material properties, domes are divided into discrete blocks and mortar joints. A concrete damage plasticity model is used to explain the mechanical behaviour of the mortar, with the assumption that failure mostly happens at block interfaces. The FEA take gravitational loads into account, and the collapse load is calculated by applying an increasing vertical displacement at the crown. Furthermore, the resultant deformed shape of the dome and the placement of plastic hinges are established. The FE results are compared with those yielded by specifically developed analytical methods based on the static and kinematic theorems of limit analysis. The applicability of the proposed approach is illustrated with reference to the dome of the Anime Sante church in LAquila, Italy. Additionally, some first insights on the domes collapse response to seismic loads are provided.
  Keywords: FEA; masonry dome; concrete damage plasticity; CDP; limit analysis; collapse load; lower bound; upper bound; mortar joints.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMRI.2025.10072381
   
  
• Development of an equivalent truss system for macro modelling of masonry structures  
  by Mahya Rafiee, Atiyeh Mohebbi Amirhoseini, Masoud Soltani 
  Abstract: The aim of this study is to propose a macro-model consisting of a truss system for analyzing masonry members subjected to both in-plane and out-of-plane loads. In the recommended truss system, the geometrical characteristics and materials models are selected so that the macro-model is appropriately able to predict the behavior of members of structures in the entire nonlinear range. Experimental verification in terms of accuracy and applicability of the proposed macro model was conducted by comparing the experimental load-deformation response of masonry members with their numerical analysis under monotonic loads. It is shown that the proposed model can fairly predict the ultimate capacity and initial stiffness of members in a reasonable amount of time.
  Keywords: masonry wall; non-linearity; in-plane failure; modelling; large-scale.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMRI.2025.10073512
   
  
• A stochastic approach for the limit analysis of masonry arches with uncertain material properties  
  by Danila Aita, Matteo Bruggi, Elsa Garavaglia 
  Abstract: As is well known, masonry arches’ bearing capacity can be determined by the traditional limit analysis; however, classical approaches fail to sufficiently account for the material’s properties uncertainty. This research starts with classical limit analyses using a method grounded on the multi-constrained equilibrium of a network; subsequently, a straightforward yet efficient technique is proposed for assessing the collapse probability under the assumption of uncertain masonry compression strength when assigned a value for the static imposed live load and for the finite friction. The masonry limited strength is described as a stochastic variable, while the arch is described as a system of voussoirs characterised by an assigned stereotomy. Monte Carlo simulations are conducted by taking into consideration a realistic friction coefficients range, by repeating the funicular procedure while drawing random variable’s samples. Finally, a modified stability area approach is used to investigate the failure mechanisms which can be activated.
  Keywords: finite friction; finite strength; limit analysis; masonry arches; probabilistic analysis; probability of failure.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMRI.2026.10076449
   
  
• Parametric studies on response of masonry infilled reinforced concrete frames strengthened at interfaces of MI and RC with geo-fabric under in-plane lateral loads  
  by Sreekeshava Kowshika Sheshachala, Chandramouli Bhargavi, Nagalakshmi Aggunda Ramesh, Arunkumar Amruthur Srikantan 
  Abstract: This study examined the structural behaviour of masonry-infilled reinforced concrete (MI-RC) frames under in-plane static lateral loads, analysing a three-bay, five-storey building through multiple modelling approaches: bare RC frames, diagonal strut models, merged-node MI-RC frames, and MI-RC frames with interfacial contact springs. Results show the MI-RC frame achieved about 30% higher lateral load capacity and nearly 70% lower top-storey drift than the bare frame. Modelling the interface with 2D translatory springs produced premature, brittle failure due to interfacial tension and shear stresses. Interfacial modelling using cement mortar contact springs and geo-fabric reinforced interfaces was therefore adopted, better capturing stress transfer and interface behaviour, including tensile stresses exceeding bond strength and compressive stresses causing masonry crushing. Experimental validation on a single-bay, two-storey MI-RC frame under reversed cyclic loading confirmed these predictions, with interfacial separation at 22,500 N base shear, followed by diagonal cracking and failure at 20.01 mm drift. Accurate interfacial modelling proved essential, with geo-fabric reinforcement improving interface and seismic performance.
  Keywords: MI-RC frames; lateral load analysis; interfacial modelling; cement mortar contact springs; IS 1893:2016; seismic performance.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMRI.2026.10080987