In-Plane Seismic Resistance of Two-Story Concrete Masonry Coupled Shear Walls

To study the in-plane resistance of multi-story masonry coupled walls, 6 full-scale reinforced masonry specimens, each two stories high, are being constructed and tested in the laboratory as part of the U.S.-Japan Masonry Program (TCCMAR). All specimens are of fully grouted hollow concrete masonry. Three specimens are pairs of walls, coupled by floor slabs with and without lintels. Three other specimens are single walls with door and window openings. In this paper, the design, construction, and testing of two of the coupled wall specimens are described. The specimens were loaded vertically by constant loads representing gravity loads on the shear wall's tributary area, and horizontally by quasi-static, reversed cyclic shear loads applied in the plane of the walls at the two floor levels. Test results are presented, discussed, and compared with analytical predictions of specimen performance. Implications of the results for design and test procedures are dicussed.