Nonlinear Modeling and Seismic Analysis of Masonry Shear Walls

Abstract

Empirical hysteretic models are developed for masonry shear walls using the results of cyclic tests performed by different investigators on 37 single‐story walls. The models account for the deteriorating nature of the response of masonry shear walls to cyclic loads, and distinguish between the hysteretic characteristics of walls with shear or flexural modes of failure. These models are used to compute the nonlinear response of single‐story reinforced masonry shear walls to 16 recorded earthquake ground motions with different intensities and frequency contents. The effects of the deteriorating nature of masonry shear wall hysteretic behavior on its nonlinear seismic response characteristics are investigated by comparing the computed responses of masonry walls and some hysteretically stable (e.g., elasto‐plastic) systems. The effects of the wall dominant failure mode (shear or flexure) on its response to earthquakes are also evaluated. Suggestions are made for the required strength of masonry shear walls located in regions with different seismic risks.