Partially grouted masonry walls: experimental response & ANN/FEA analysis models

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Reinforced masonry (RM) shear walls are often used as the primary load-resisting system against lateral loads in low- and medium-rise masonry structures. RM walls can be fully grouted (FG) or partially grouted (PG) with the latter option being generally more economical, and thus, widely used in the masonry industry. While expected to remain sufficiently stiff under service loads, a masonry shear wall is expected to exhibit a ductile response under lateral load at the ultimate state. However, if the behaviour is shear-critical, failure may occur suddenly and lead to catastrophic loss of life and property. Recent studies have shown that current design provisions do not predict the shear strength of PG shear walls with consistent accuracy over the range of design variables commonly found in practice. Research has shown that in some cases, design provisions may lead to potentially unsafe designs. To develop safe, accurate, and robust design methods for the shear and flexural strength of PG walls, the Canadian Concrete Masonry Producers Association (CCMPA) and Canada Masonry Design Centre (CMDC) are not-for-profit industry associations representing the national technical interests of masonry contractors and block manufacturers, respectively, are interested in undertaking an analytical and experimental program in collaboration with the University of Alberta. Analysis models for the structural response of masonry PG walls will be developed using results from experimental testing, finite-element (FE) modelling, artificial neural networks (ANN), and mechanics-based strength formulations. The analysis model will permit an improved understanding of the mechanics underlying the behaviour of PG walls. The experimental tests will allow to examine the influence of critical design variables, calibrate the analysis models, and advance the existing knowledge on the structural response of PG walls. The rational design methods for PG walls developed in this research project will benefit the masonry industry and contractors by allowing the construction of safer and more economic PG walls.