In this paper

the seismic damages to masonry structural buildings in Wenchuan 8.0 heavy earthquake which occurred on 12th May 2008 are introduced.The damage characteristics and causes of masonry-building damage are summarized and analyzed

and the general principles of aseismic design for masonry structures are concluded

which contain reasonable material selection

overall design

emphasis on details

ensuring quality.And some suggestions are proposed

such as the breadth of wall between windows is designed according to depth-width ratio

the ring beam is set in the mid of bottom wall

etc.Meanwhile

some new approach and methods for improving the aseismic performances of masonry structures are discussed

such as isolated technology

energy dissipation by slotting walls

concealed structural column

"bundling" wall

shock absorbing joint

energy dissipation mortar

etc.Finally

the future developments of masonry structure are prospected.