Seismic resistance of brick masonry walls

Abstract

This paper summarises the results obtained from testing 18 reinforced masonry wall panels under racking load. The programme included tests on both RBM and Hollow Cell types of brick construction under slow cyclic loading. It is shown that satisfactory ductility can be obtained from brick masonry walls if sufficient horizontal steel is provided to carry the full shear load, and if the critical compression zones at the bottom corners of the wall are confined by the use of thin reinforcing plates in the bottom few mortar courses. Without these precautions severe load degradation occurs under successive load reversals.