An Overview of Codes and Regulations on the Qualification and Mechanical Characterization of Existing Masonry

Humans have resided in masonry buildings for millennia. However, scientific research of masonry started less than one century ago. Since then, multiple countries have created their national codes and standards, precisely regulating the design of new masonry structures. Nonetheless, examining the already constructed masonry buildings remains a challenge, as it requires a whole different methodology, particularly when it involves the architectural heritage. An Iscarsah project was defined in 2023 to set simplified, affordable guidelines for the characterization of existing masonry around the globe. Qualitative methods, such as non-destructive evaluation means, and quantitative measures including minor-destructive techniques and destructive tests are proposed as parts of the procedure for the assessment of existing masonry and its mechanical properties. As the initial step of this effort, building/masonry codes and seismic standards and guidelines of Afghanistan, Chile, Egypt, European Union, India, Iran, Italy, New Zealand, Peru, and United States were reviewed to understand some of the international approaches toward existing masonry. The primary goal of this step was to use the already existing knowledge created around the globe as references for the intended methodology. This paper presents the result of comparing various aspects of masonry among the reviewed codes and demonstrates the state of presence of the topic of existing masonry in those documents. It appears that evaluation of existing masonry is not included in most of the codes.