Post-Tensioned Clay Brick Masonry Walls for Modular Housing in Seismic Regions

Abstract

From past research post-tensioned concrete masonry walls have performed well due to in-plane loading, yet despite the advantage of being more aesthetically pleasing, post-tensioned clay brick masonry walls have not been investigated under this loading. Five half scale structural specimens using this system were constructed and tested, and the results from these tests plus a proposed force-displacement analysis procedure are included herein. The results show that post-tensioned clay brick masonry walls are well suited for seismic regions when the walls are grouted and unbonded, and the presence of confinement plates in the compression region greatly enhances the overall performance of the wall. In addition, the force-displacement analysis shows that in order to account for the overall behavior of the wall, cyclic degradation characteristics must be included.