Variability in masonry behaviour and modelling under blast and seismic actions

This paper presents a state-of-the-art review of the existing analytical and numerical modelling approaches available for masonry structures that are subjected to blast and seismic events; from basic single-degree-of-freedom models to three-dimensional multi-degree-of-freedom models. The primary aim of this paper is to demonstrate the need to adopt a probabilistic/uncertainty approach when analysing masonry structures, thus considering the inherent variability in design and construction. This review forms part of a larger research project, initiated to characterise uncertainties in masonry response to blast actions.