Strength and Long-term Behaviour of Masonry Structures

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Masonry is widely used in structures because of its aesthetic appeal and durability. Many of Canada's heritage structures are constructed of masonry and there is a need to conserve these. The National Building Code of Canada, requires that these structures be assessed and brought up to modern standards. Assessment and rehabilitation of these structures is not easy. The first part of the proposal therefore has two themes, the first of which is aimed at understanding the current state of the structure, typically after long-term effects of creep (the slow increase of deformation with time under load) and degradation due to weathering. The combined effects of these factors can cause internal cracking, which in turn leads to distress of the structure. If the causes are understood, suitable remedies can be designed. The second theme deals with the use of cross-wall anchors to strengthen a wall, aiming to develop a way of predicting the best orientation of such an anchor to resist the loads expected in a local earthquake, and thereby help the structure survive that event.