Seismic performance of crack-damaged masonry wall structures via shaking table tests

Abstract

Masonry fence walls in run-down areas have cracks of various shapes, and these cracks can weaken the walls very seriously. However, research on this subject has been scarce, and the effect of different crack types on the seismic performance of unreinforced masonry walls needs to be investigated. In this study, two U-shaped wall structures were built: one without any cracks and the other with diagonal, horizontal, and vertical cracks on three sides. The effects of these cracks on the seismic performance characteristics (i.e., the drift ratio and base shear) are evaluated by comparing the dynamic responses of the two wall structures. Through shaking table tests exerting horizontal bi-direction ground motions, both the out-of-plane and in-plane responses of the walls are investigated. Diagonal cracks are found to be more likely to cause the early collapse of masonry walls than vertical and horizontal cracks. These results provide valuable knowledge that will facilitate the appropriate reinforcement for damaged masonry walls that might need urgent repair.