NEHRP Clearinghouse

Title
Cyclic Shear Tests of Masonry Piers. Volume I. Test Results.
File
PB264424.pdf
Author(s)
Mayes, R. L.; Omote, Y.; Clough, R. W.
Source
National Science Foundation, Washington, D.C., May 1976, 108 p.
Identifying Number(s)
EERC-76-8
Abstract
This report presents the results of cyclic in-plane shear tests on a variety of fixed ended masonry piers. The test set-up is designed to simulate insofar as possible the boundary conditions the piers would experience in a perforated shear wall of a complete building. Each test specimen was a full scale panel about 15 feet (3 meters) square consisting of two piers and a top and bottom spandrel. The panels were constructed from 6 inch wide x 8 inch high x 16 inch long hollow concrete block units. The variables included in the investigation were the quantity and distribution of reinforcement including joint reinforcement, the rate of load application, partial grouting and the vertical bearing stress. The results are presented in the form of hysteresis envelopes, graphs of stiffness degradation properties and tabulated data on the ultimate strength and ductility indicators. Part 2 of this report, EERC Report No. 76-16, provides a comparison of the results obtained from the double-pier tests with those obtained from a simple diagonal test and with other investigations, as well as a correlation of the test results with theoretically predicted results and comments on the design implications of the test results.
Keywords
Masonry; Earthquake resistant structures; Shear walls; Construction materials; Buildings; Earthquake engineering; Building piers; Bearing stress; Shear tests; Cyclic loads; Piers; Reinforcement (Structures)