Practical design of laterally loaded masonry panels

Abstract

This paper presents an integrated and practical approach to the design of laterally loaded masonry panels. Unreinforced, reinforced and prestressed rectangular panels are all covered, together with supports of variable fixity along two, three or all four sides. A description of panel types and serviceability requirements is given, followed by a review of the equations for ultimate moments of resistance. The yieldline equations for the ultimate limit state are presented in a form suitable for hand calculation, and are then restated solely in terms of the primary variables of lateral pressure, moments, and panel dimensions. Design charts derived from these equations are presented which enable direct design of rectangular panels with pinned or fixed supports under uniform lateral loads. Their use is illustrated with the aid of worked examples. The design of panels with partial fixity or superfixity at supports is then described. Finally, the method is extended to cover the design of retaining-wall panels subject to lateral earth pressures.