To improve seismic performance of masonry structure, a simple and economical structural system called composite masonry structure is proposed. To discuss the seismic response characteristics of the proposed structural system, a series of pseudo-dynamic tests using 1/2 scale specimen was carried out. Based on the hysteresis loops obtained from the tests, equivalent viscous damping associated with inelastic displacement is studied. And the maximum response displacement is estimated by an equivalent linearization method. Based on the method, the seismic response of composite masonry structures is roughly estimated, although the estimated displacement is little smaller than the test results when the response exceeds the maximum strength point. But this study also suggests that the maximum response displacement can be approximately estimated by the equivalent linearization method, if the maximum response remains within the limit used in practical seismic design.
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