Out-of-Plane Behavior of Slender Reinforced Masonry Shear Walls under In-Plane Loading: Experimental Investigation
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 144, Issue 3
Abstract
This paper presents the results of a multiphase research program aimed at investigating the out-of-plane stability of slender reinforced masonry shear walls (RMSWs) under in-plane reversed-cyclic loading. The objective of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of the out-of-plane stability provisions specified in the Canadian masonry design standard, which are currently in the form of height-to-thickness (h/t) limits. For the second phase of the program, which is presented in this paper, the evaluation was carried out by experimental testing of five slender full-scale RMSW specimens with varying h/t and height-to-length aspect ratios, reinforcement ratio, detailing, and applied axial precompression stress level. The tests were conducted by applying a displacement-controlled loading protocol at the top of each specimen, without restraining the in-plane rotational degree of freedom, until the lateral load-carrying capacity of the specimen was reduced to 60% of its peak capacity. Detailed qualitative and quantitative test results are summarized in this paper. In addition, a discussion regarding key factors found to affect the out-of-plane stability of RMSWs is presented. Preliminary findings suggest that the current Canadian masonry design standard h/t limits may be potentially conservative if used alone to assess the out-of-plane stability of RMSWs.
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Acknowledgments
The project was generously sponsored by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) through a Collaborative Research and Development Grant, the Canadian Concrete Masonry Producers Association, and the Masonry Institute of British Columbia. The first author acknowledges the support provided by the NSERC Industrial Postgraduate Scholarship program. Wall reinforcement was graciously donated by Harris Rebar Ltd. and Heritage Rebar Ltd. The invaluable assistance of the University of British Columbia and British Columbia Institute of Technology technicians and students was also critical to the project’s success.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 144 • Issue 3 • March 2018
Copyright
©2018 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 7, 2015
Accepted: Aug 16, 2017
Published online: Jan 10, 2018
Published in print: Mar 1, 2018
Discussion open until: Jun 10, 2018
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