Analysis of the out-of-plane buckling collapse of a masonry wall: A case study

This paper presents the methodologies followed and the analyses performed to interpret the out-of-plane collapse of a masonry wall located on the fourth floor of a historical building in Palermo (Italy). The collapse mechanism was related to the slenderness of the wall and the presence of ineffective tie rods, unable to restrain the wall. Moreover, the collapse involved the wooden slabs, loaded under the impact of the wall. The case is analysed by examining the crack pattern, the constructive features and the kinematic of the collapse. Finally, a theoretical interpretation of the buckling mechanism is made through non-linear Finite Element (FE) analyses combined with simplified models provided in the literature, showing as reliable considerations can be made by combining two levels of analysis.