ABSTRACT
Some methods partially developed and then used in Romania in relation to the investigation of the earthquake resistance of masonry buildings are presented. The outcome of use of this methodology for numerous existing buildings is reviewed. Some statistical aspects of the outcome of engineering analyses are presented and summarized. The building sample referred to pertains to two categories, for which the difference is considered to be relevant: buildings with rigid (cast-in-place reinforced concrete) slabs, playing the role of diaphragms, and buildings with wooden or steel beam floors, which cannot play the role of diaphragms. There are also some data on the statistical analysis of damage degrees inflicted to buildings with masonry structural walls during the earthquake of 4 March 1977, presented in correlation with the engineering estimate of the ratio, or index, R. The ability of engineers to predict seismic damage based on engineering estimates is discussed too. Experimental data obtained by means of monitoring the ambient vibrations for buildings of this category and the use of these data in relation to the investigation of building vulnerability are mentioned.
