Practical Nonlinear Analysis for Limit Design of Reinforced Masonry Walls

Two modeling techniques for practical nonlinear static analysis are implemented to support the development and usage of a new Limit Design method for special reinforced masonry shear walls. The new seismic design alternative is under consideration for future versions of the building code requirements for masonry structures in the U.S. The proposed simplified models were applied to a planar one-story wall with two openings and the relevant output data from nonlinear static analyses were compared to the output from a refined computer model. Results of the comparison indicate that the proposed models were sufficiently accurate in determining the usable base-shear strength of the perforated wall.