Alan Alonso, Rafael Gonzalez, Carlos Cruz and Douglas Tomlinson
Alan Alonso, PhD Student, University of Alberta, 9211-116th St., Edmonton, AB, Canada, alonsori@ualberta.ca
Rafael Gonzalez, MSc Student, University of Alberta, 9211-116th St., Edmonton, AB, Canada, rafaelde@ualberta.ca
Carlos Cruz, Associate Professor, University of Alberta, 9211-116th St., Edmonton, AB, Canada, cruznogu@ualberta.ca
Douglas Tomlinson, Assistant Professor, University of Alberta, 9211-116th St., Edmonton, AB, Canada, dtomlins@ualberta.ca
ABSTRACT
Slender Masonry Walls (SMWs) with slenderness ratio over 30 are widely used in Canada in single-storey buildings. However, the design of these walls tends to have stringent limits and requirements by the Canadian masonry standard (CSA S304-14). One of those requirements is neglecting the base stiffness provided by the foundation despite the inherent rotational base stiffness at the wall base. This concern is based on the potential Plastic Hinge (PH) formation near to the base due to the concentrated rotational demand. Due to the limited information on this topic, there is a need to investigate the structural performance of SMWs by implementing the rotational base stiffness. Analytical simulation is used to obtain expected Out-Of-Plane (OOP) performance of SMWs with pinned base and different rotational base stiffness conditions, using a Finite Element (FE) model. To compare the SMWs performances, the same slenderness ratio, loads, and reinforcement ratio are used. This pre-test analysis was used to design the experimental setup and obtain the adequate loads for the specimens to be tested in the experimental stage. Moreover, the experimental results from the next stage together with the parametric analyses will generate design recommendations regarding permissible slenderness ratios, axial load levels and ductility requirements.
KEYWORDS: analytical simulation, finite element, masonry walls, out of plane, slender walls
