Since the dawn of human civilization, masonry has been used to construct all types of buildings,
bridges, roadways and other engineering works. Confined masonry (CM) is considered one of the popular forms
of low-cost and low-rise construction throughout the world. Confined masonry consists of non-reinforced masonry
walls surrounded by concrete tie-columns, in the vertical direction, and tie-beams, in the horizontal direction. In
some countries confined masonry walls may include joint reinforcement. The behavior of constrained masonry
structures under cyclic lateral loads was investigated in this experimental research. The two-story half-scale model
was made using local materials and standards in consideration. With increasing displacement, lateral cyclic loads
were applied to the model. Crack pattern, failure mechanism, lateral capacity, energy dissipation, ductility, and
overall structural performance were all evaluated. Out of plane walls provided additional restrictions for wall
movements and increased structural performance, while masonry infill walls provided significant strength and
ductility. The findings show that confined masonry structures constructed to the standard will withstand the design
lateral loads successfully. The case study for the tested assembly was verified using finite element model
verification using experimental results. The developed model is capable of accurately capturing the maximum load
and its related deformation of the tested structure, according to the results of the finite element analysis. For
fracture patterns and failure mechanisms, the suggested model agrees well with the results of laboratory tests. |
