Master’s Thesis Spotlight – Seismic Safety with RFEM 6
India – Seismic Zones IV & V
How vulnerable are traditional masonry buildings in earthquake-prone areas?
A recent master's thesis written for Gujarat Technological University deals extensively with this pressing issue using RFEM 6 and the capacity spectrum method.
Key insights from the research:
A two-story unreinforced masonry (URM) building was modeled using the finite element method in RFEM 6
A pushover analysis was conducted to evaluate the building’s seismic performance
The Capacity Spectrum Method (based on Indian standards) was used to assess the structural response
Typical failure modes were identified, offering valuable lessons for improving seismic resilience
The research emphasizes how modern analysis tools can enhance the safety and longevity of traditional masonry structures – without losing touch with local building practices or heritage.
A powerful example of how engineering education and advanced software can make a real-world impact.
You can read the entire master's thesis here.
Have you written your thesis using the Dlubal programs RFEM or RSTAB? Submit your thesis to us! There are many reasons to feature your thesis for free. More information is available here. 
