Ultimate Strength of Masonry Shear Walls: Predictions versus Test Results

摘要

The study compares the ability of four different equations to predict theultimate shear stress in masonry walls failing in shear. Experimental data on full-grouted reinforced shear walls from four different sources are compared with the predictions from the four equations. Wall characteristics from 65 test specimens were used as input to the four predictive equations. The ultimate strength predictions were then compared to the actual measured strength of the 65 test walls. Two of the equations (the existing UBC equation for shear strength of masonry walls and the Architectural Institute of Japan's equation for predicting the shear strength of reinforced concrete shear walls) were found to be inadequate for the prediction of ultimate shear strength of masonry walls. An equation proposed by Shing et al. was found to predict shear strength well for only limited ranges of variables, primarily because excessive weight is given to the contributions of horizontal reinforcement to strength. An equation proposed by Matsumura was found to be the best predictor of the four equations examined, but it lacks the consistency needed to use it as a basis for design.