Verification of a usability model for unreinforced masonry buildings with data from the 2002 Molise, southern Italy, earthquake
In this paper a methodology for assessing the usability of unreinforced masonry buildings, calibrated using the observed data collected after the 2009 L'Aquila, Southern Italy, Earthquake, is tested using data and performances surveyed after the 2002 Molise seismic event. The methodology is based on the computation of a Usability Index calculated as a weighted sum of seven parameters arranged in categories of decreasing usability. Each parameter represents a structural feature of the construction that may affect the building earthquake response.