Background considerations on masonry structures for the preparation of the Belgian national annex to Eurocode 8

This contribution summarizes considerations developed to allow a reasonable and consistent definition of the national parameters to be introduced in the Belgian national annex to chapter 9 of Eurocode 8 dealing with seismic design of masonry structures. The different aspects considered are material properties (resistance and ductility), detailing of wall-wall and wall-floor connections and rules for simple masonry buildings. The result is a set of rules consistent with the national practice and defining (i) what is allowed in Belgium for the different seismic zones, (ii) minimal requirements for simple non-engineered buildings and (iii) a procedure that can be followed to improve these rules for materials and structural systems exhibiting better properties than the minimal requirements of Eurocode 8.