• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.6 no.7
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• pp.801-815
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• 1998

An overview of an analytical model to predict mortar joint failure in unreinforced masonry (URM) structures is presented. The validity of the model is established by comparison with experimental results at element level as well as structure level. This model is then used to study the behavior of URM walls and two commonly used retrofitting schemes. Finally, effectiveness of the two retrofitting schemes in increasing strength and stiffness of existing URM walls is discussed.