A Critical Review of Masonry Tests and Recommendations for Improved Test Methods

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The recent emergence of masonry as an engineered construction material in the same class as concrete and steel has not been matched by equal advancements in standard test procedures for masonry. Existing test procedures do not or are marginal in meeting today's needs and will be grossly inadequate for needs associated with future limit state design for masonry. The U.S. Coordinated Program for Masonry Research as well as other NSF funded research has developed a broad database on the static and earthquake response of masonry especially reinforced masonry. This research project uses these data to recommend needed improvements to masonry testing standards. The research establishes specific needs that masonry tests must fulfill both for current needs and for future needs associated with limit state design, critically reviews the ability of existing tests to meet these needs, it develops required modifications to existing tests, and it develops new tests where existing tests are lacking. The result of this study is a set of carefully documented recommendations for test standard modifications or additions applicable to earthquake and static behavior of structures. These recommendations provide the technical base to support actions by others or by standard writing bodies.