The increasing emphasis on preservation of architectural goods and infrastructure suggests the need for a reliability-based assessment framework for existing masonry structures. Various reasons for using this type of assessment are discussed. The performance requirements of existing structures are described. Although the fundamental requirements for existing structures are similar to those for new buildigns, there are basic differences that affect a reliability-based assessmetn, such as: economics, heritage value, uncertainties, past performance and changing design practice. A generalized limit state framework involving generalized loads, generalized reisstances and generalized stresses is developed. It includes structural limit states such as ultimate limit states, serviceability limit states, but also phenomenological limit states such as a cultural value limit state, an appearance limit state and a sustainability limit state. In addition to those limit states, durability affects the overall behavior of the structure. the most common deterioration mechanisms are discussed, and it is shown how they can be incorporated into the assessmet famework.
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