International Journal of Masonry Research and Innovation (9 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Flexural strength of bamboo reinforced stabilised rammed earth  
  by Prasanna Kumar Parameswarappa, Vaibhav Goni, Anish Adapa 
  Abstract: The main focus of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of bamboo reinforced rammed earth beams as a load bearing flexural member over small openings above doors and small windows. The experimental investigation consisted of testing 24 rammed earth flexural specimens of densities, 17.66 kN/m3 and 18.64 kN/m3 which were cast by adding 4% cement along with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) as stabilisers. Natural soil with bamboo bars as reinforcement with and without coir fibres were used in this investigation. Four-point bending was applied on the beam specimen and tested till failure. The findings have shown that stabilised rammed earth (SRE) flexural members with a density of 18.64 kN/m3 reinforced with bamboo bars and coir fibres had a theoretical maximum flexural strength of 0.58 N/mm2 which is less than the experimental flexural strength of 0.73 N/mm2 and hence may be effectively used over small openings.
  Keywords: rammed earth; flexural strength; bamboo reinforcement; coir fiber.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMRI.2026.10076779
   
  
• Experimental load tests on full-scale in-situ historical masonry vaults: a design by testing procedure  
  by Fabio De Angelis, Giuseppe Brandonisio, Antonello De Luca 
  Abstract: Masonry vaults of historical buildings often present several critical features such as for instance the antiquity of the historical building, the structural damages occurred during the centuries, the deviations with respect to the original geometrical vault shape, the out-of-plumb of the supporting walls. Full-scale load tests for the assessment of the structural capacity of historical in-situ masonry vaults are not frequently found in literature. In the analysed case the vaults of the historical building are mirror-type vaults, which are known as particularly vulnerable to live loads. The present research work discusses how a design by testing procedure can be adopted to properly evaluate safety of the existing vaults with respect to new increased live loads derived from the transformation of the historical building into a museum and exhibition centre. Such transformation of the destination of the historical building implies that considerably large testing loads must be applied to the structure.
  Keywords: masonry mirror vaults; historical buildings; strengthening interventions; experimental load tests.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMRI.2026.10076849
   
  
• 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
   
  
• Dissipative behaviour of masonry arches subjected to vertical cyclic loads: experimental tests and numerical modelling  
  by Nataliia Pinchuk, Anna Castellano, Aguinaldo Fraddosio, Francesco Salvatore Toscano, Mario Daniele Piccioni 
  Abstract: The majority of European city centres feature ancient architectural complexes built typically from local stone materials. Due to their age and quality of materials, these structures are often highly sensible to seismic activity. In particular, arches, vaults, and domes were frequently damaged during earthquakes. The reduction of their seismic vulnerability depends on the accurate structural response prediction. This research proposes an experimental investigation of the tuff masonry arch subjected to cyclic loading for evaluating the mechanisms of energy dissipation activated during loading and unloading cycles. Vertical cyclic loading test was chosen as an effective one for evaluating the dissipative effects associated with horizontal dynamic loads but avoiding the complexity of experimental setup required for direct simulation. The nonlinear numerical model was developed and calibrated using obtained experimental data, which accurately represent the reduction in the overall structural stiffness resulting from the activation of plasticisation mechanisms in the arch joints.
  Keywords: architectural heritage; masonry buildings; tuff masonry; arch structures; cyclic loading; experimental investigation; numerical modelling; energy dissipation; hysteretic response; structural stiffness degradation.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMRI.2026.10077689
   
  
• Performance optimisation of alkali-activated UHPC for sustainable masonry units: effects of activators, retarders and curing regimes  
  by Youkhanna Zayia Dinkha, James H. Haido, Bassam A. Tayeh 
  Abstract: This study aimed to optimise the binder composition of alkali-activated ultra-high-performance concrete (AA-UHPC) by evaluating the effects of precursor types, alkaline activator molarity, and admixtures on flowability, compressive strength and flexural strength. A total of 89 mixes were prepared using fly ash, GGBFS, and silica fume, with sucrose introduced as an admixture for the first time. Key influencing factors included sodium hydroxide molarity (optimal at 14 M), modulus ratio (1.2), and the Ca/(Si+Al) and Si/Al ratios, with ideal values of 0.36 and 3.5, respectively. Strength improved with oven curing at 75 C, while higher water and sugar content enhanced workability but reduced strength. A peak compressive strength of 139.6 MPa was achieved without fibre reinforcement, corresponding to mix ID AA-UHPC-M14-Mr1.2-Ca0.36-SiAl3.5. An artificial neural network (ANN) model was developed to predict seven-day compressive strength, achieving an R2 value greater than 0.98. These findings demonstrate the potential of AA-UHPC as a sustainable construction material with optimised mix designs, further highlighting its suitability as a high-performance binder for eco-friendly modular construction systems and sustainable prefabricated components and high-performance masonry units.
  Keywords: AA-UHPC; precursors; molarity; modulus ratio; curing regimes; retarders; sucrose; artificial neural network; ANN.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMRI.2026.10077909
   
  
• 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
   
  

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