Seismic Behavior and Design of Low-rise Reinforced Concrete Masonry with Clay Masonry Veneer

The research described here is part of a multi-university project on “Performance-based Design of New Masonry Structures.” Within the context of that project, the main objectives of this research was to study the inelastic seismic performance of low-rise concrete masonry structures with clay masonry veneer and veneer connectors; to develop analytical models for those structures and the elements comprising them; and to use the results of the research to propose refinements to current design provisions for concrete masonry with clay masonry veneer.

The experimental work described here includes the design and testing of concrete masonry wall specimens with clay masonry veneer under quasi-static loading. Identical specimens were subjected to shake-table testing at another university. The experimental work described here also includes the design of a full-scale, one-story concrete masonry building specimen with clay masonry veneer. That building specimen was subjected to shake-table testing at another university.

The analytical work of this research includes the development of nonlinear hysteretic models for concrete masonry walls, clay masonry veneer and veneer connectors. The analytical models for wall specimens were calibrated using the results of the quasi-static and shake-table tests of wall specimens. The analytical model for the building specimen was compared with and refined using shake-table test results for the building specimen. Finally, the calibrated and refined analytical model of the building specimen was used for parameter studies intended to supply general information about the behavior of low-rise reinforced concrete masonry structures with clay masonry veneer.

Based on the these experimental and analytical results, basic concepts of the seismic response and design of low-rise concrete masonry buildings were reaffirmed; most design and construction requirements of the 2008 MSJC Code and Specification were reaffirmed; and several recommendations were made to improve those requirements.