Dissemination and Utilization of Results of the U.S. Coordinated Program for Masonry Building Research

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Masonry construction comprises a large portion of building construction in the U.S. and the world. Reinforced masonry construction use is increasing in moderate to higher seismic zones because of its apparent features of economy, fire safety, architectural flexibility and ease of construction. The present state of masonry structural analysis and design, and materials and construction technologies does not enable an accurate prediction of building behavior under lateral loads such as seismic loads. In the U.S., masonry buildings are designed and built with methods, codes, and standards that rely upon a mixture of working stress methods, empirical rules, and questionable methods for determining allowable stress values. Masonry is also a complex building material because of the large number of design and construction variables which influence the final products configuration and its response under seismic loads. In order to describe the seismic response of masonry buildings it is necessary to develop the fundamental knowledge base to determine basic design methodologies consistent with safety and economic requirement. This research project addresses additional issues and items in the U.S. Coordinated Program for Masonry Building Research. These include data and information exchange between the research components of the program, use of photogrammetry to supplement conventional displacement measurements of in-plane specimens, e.g., shear walls, and communication and consultation with appropriate code and regulatory groups. These objectives will be addressed by meetings between researchers, use of electronic mail, introduction of photogrammetry to enhance analytical model development, and establishing liaison with technical groups to secure their advice regarding the form and content of program design recommendations.