IMPROVEMENT OF MASONRY STRUCTURES AGAINST SEISMIC FORCE

In this paper, Plane and confined masonry specimens have been tested by Portable Structural Testing Equipment (PSTE). The shear strength and tensile strength of unconfined masonry increases by 1,34 times and 1,7 times respectively, using Plaster. Use of wire mesh and plaster in unconfined masonry increases the shear strength by 1,61 times and the tensile strength by 2,35. Confinement increases the shear strength by 1,65 times and tensile strength by 3,35 . Confinement and plaster increases the shear strength by 2,12 times and the tensile strength by 4,05. Confinement with bamboo mesh and plaster increases the shear strength by 2,73 times and the tensile strength by 4,05 . Confinement with wire mesh and plaster increases the shear strength by 2,73 times and the tensile strength by 5,40 . Wall density ratio for confined masonry buildings in Pakistan has been proposed for different zones and soil type.

Keywords:

unconfined masonry , confined masonry , modulus of elasticity , tensile strength , Shear strength , PSTE , wall density ratio