Out-of-Plane Behavior of Slender Reinforced Masonry Shear Walls under In-Plane Loading: Experimental Investigation

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 6% 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.