Experimental Studies on In-Plane Ductility of Confined Masonry Panels

Confined masonry panels in a building are considered to provide a better, cost-effective seismic-resistance structural system than unreinforced masonry panels. Ten different prototypes of confined masonry panels were tested for ductility under in-plane loads. The two types of variables considered in this study include hollow block masonry, brick masonry with a number of tie columns, and effect of opening. This study examines the variation of the ductility factors with respect to the arrangement of confined columns in both types of masonry panels. The experimental results showed that the confined columns in hollow block masonry shear wall improved the ductility and shear load characteristics. Based on the experimental results, regression curves were developed to compute the lateral deformations corresponding to the lateral shear resistance. The variation of maximum shear stress obtained from the experiments are also discussed with reference to the maximum permissible values as given in the BS 5628-1995 and ACI 530-95 codes of practice.