The recent development of a new Italian seismic code, conceived as a transition towards the final wYeB)1.
adoption of Eurocodes, has been an occasion to reconsider thoroughly the current criteria for (dJI_A
seismic design of masonry buildings, their experimental and theoretical basis, their consequences `|1MlRM9
on practice. Drawing from this experience, a critical discussion of design criteria is presented, with <j}lp-
specific attention to the definition of behaviour factors to be used in elastic analysis and more KH KS$D
generally on methods and models for the seismic performance verification of masonry buildings. sK$wN4k
Necessary and possible developments of design/assessment procedures and code provisions are y;"
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presented, and research needs are outlined