In-Plane Design Loads for Seismic Assessment and Retrofit of Walls in Unreinforced Masonry Buildings

Abstract eng:
It is well established and routinely observed that unreinforced masonry buildings perform poorly in large earthquakes. This knowledge directly points to the need for a detailed procedure for the seismic assessment and retrofit of unreinforced masonry buildings. Pivotal to the entire assessment and retrofit process is the accurate treatment of the dynamic characteristics of flexible timber floor diaphragms, and the development of a straightforward and accurate method for determining the in-plane seismic loads on walls when accounting for both excitation due to self weight, and seismic demand transmitted via wall-diaphragm connections. Pertinent details of the M7.1 2010 Darfield (Canterbury) earthquake are presented, followed by a review of results from a large scale experimental program that investigated the strength and stiffness characteristics of timber diaphragms. Next, details are provided of a procedure for determining diaphragm dynamic characteristics recognizing that diaphragm deformations are primarily associated with shear rather than flexure. Finally, details are summarised of a methodology now adopted in New Zealand for determining the in-plane seismic demand on unreinforced masonry walls.

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