M.T.Shedid¹, A.A.Hamid², and R.G.Drysdale³

1. M.A.Sc. Candidate, Dept of Civil Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L7. shedidmm@mcmaster.ca
2. Professor and Director of the Masonry Research Lab, Drexel University, Philadelphia. Also adjunct Professor and member of the Centre for Effective Design of Structures, McMaster University, hamida@mcmaster.ca
3. Professor, Martini Mascarin and George Chair in Masonry Design and Director of the Centre for Effective Designof Structures, McMaster University, drysdale@mcmaster.ca

ABSTRACT

The possibilities of achieving a high level of energy dissipation in reinforced concrete masonry shear walls mainly by flexural yielding are examined. The experimental response of three walls, tested as the first phase of an investigation of the cyclic lateral load response of reinforced concrete masonry shear walls, is discussed. The amount of vertical reinforcement and the influence of an accidental incomplete filling of a reinforced masonry shear wall with grout are reported in this paper. The results show high ductile capability in the plastic hinge region and very little degradation of strength for cyclic loading.

KEYWORDS: walls, ductility, plastic hinging, lateral deformation

7b-1