ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the response under earthquake of two masonry elements: the gable of the Ica Cathedral in Peru and one wall of a medieval castle in the Emilia Romagna Italian region. It deals with the application of two methods of local analysis on masonry structures and explores the kinematic non-linear analysis is applied by discussing some aspects in relation to the rocking analysis outcomes. The kinematic chain can be treated with limit analysis, by computing the collapse mechanism multiplier, or by means of rocking analysis. The latter point is a key aspect for a correct evaluation of the actual response and can be accomplished by means of rocking analysis throughout integration of the motion equations. The gable is treated as free-standing block whereas the upper part of the church façade is analyzed in the rocking analysis by accounting for the rebound effect caused by the transverse walls, through the stiffness of a bed spring.
