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Improving seismic performance of masonry

Short answer

Achieve box action with horizontal RCC bands and vertical corner bars, use rigid roof/wall connections, keep openings small and away from corners, maintain regular plan with cross walls, use strong bricks and rich mortar, and provide reinforcement or retrofitting by ferrocement jacketing.

How do you improve the seismic performance of a masonry structure?

The seismic performance of a masonry building is improved by:

  1. Box action: tie the walls together with horizontal RCC bands (plinth, lintel, roof) and vertical bars at corners and junctions (IS 4326, NBC 109).
  2. A rigid roof/floor diaphragm of RCC slab, anchored to the walls.
  3. Limiting openings (small, symmetrically placed, not near corners) and limiting wall height and length.
  4. A regular, symmetric plan with enough cross walls.
  5. Better materials and workmanship: strong bricks, cement mortar of 1:6 or richer (1:4 for higher seismic categories), good bond and curing.
  6. Confined or reinforced masonry to give ductility.
  7. For existing buildings, retrofitting by ferrocement or wire-mesh plaster jacketing and added bands.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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