NEHRP Clearinghouse

Title
Dynamic Response of Unreinforced Masonry Buildings with Flexible Diaphragms.
File
PB97133573.pdf
Author(s)
Costley, A. C.; Abrams, D. P.
Source
National Center for Earthquake Engineering Research, Buffalo, NY.; National Science Foundation, Arlington, VA., October 10, 1996, 326 p.
Abstract
The overall objective of the research was to provide recommendations for the evaluation and rehabilitation of unreinforced masonry buildings. An experimental study was done to investigate nonlinear dynamic response of two-story building systems with flexible floor diaphragms. The experimental parameters were the relative lateral strengths of the two parallel shear walls and the aspect ratios of piers between window and door openings. The accuracy of several computational methods were examined by contrasting estimates with measured response. A nonlinear dynamic analysis model was developed to estimate large-amplitude displacements. This report includes descriptions of the experimental and analytical investigations, and provides a number of recommendations for evaluation and rehabilitation of unreinforced masonry buildings.
Keywords
Seismic design; Framed structures; Flexibility; Displacement; Soil-structure interactions; Damage assessment; Shear walls; Nonlinear systems; Masonry; Structural vibration; Structural failure; Retrofitting; Earthquake damage; Buildings; Seismic effects; Vibration tests; Model tests; Dynamic response; Earthquake engineering; Nonlinear dynamics; Diaphragms (Mechanics); Dynamic structural analysis