Seismic behaviour of reinforced masonry shear walls

Abstract

The overall seismic behaviour of reinforced masonry shear walls is studied. An experimental investigation concerned particularly with the ductility capability, stiffness degradation and load capacity of reinforced masonry wall panels subjected to static cyclic loading is reported. Main parameters were the wall geometry, bearing load magnitude and reinforcing distribution. With those walls behaving flexurally satisfactory performance was obtained. Four reinforced brickwork walls were subjected to dynamic cyclic loading. Significant structural deterioration occurred not only in those walls where shear effects predominated but also in the wall where flexural behaviour predominated. The effect of jointing materials on the behaviour of masonry prisms tested in uniaxial compression is discussed with reference to a failure mechanism. Complete stress-strain curves for brickwork and concrete masonry prisms are presented; the falling branch characteristics are comparable with those of concrete. Inelastic response analyses of stiff structures have shown that mild stiffness degradation has little effect on the seismic ductility requirements when of reasonable size. A procedure for seismic design of such structures is recommended.