Jennifer Gebhardt, Johannes Froese and Oliver Fischer
i M.Eng., Research Assistant, Chair of Concrete and Masonry Structures, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany, jennifer.gebhardt@tum.de
ii PhD, Research Associate, Chair of Concrete and Masonry Structures, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany, johannes.froese@tum.de
iii PhD, Professor, Chair of Concrete and Masonry Structures, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany, oliver.fischer@tum.de
ABSTRACT
Unreinforced brick masonry is a characteristic feature of historic buildings in Germany and Europe. Despite its widespread use, knowledge of its shear-compression performance under static and cyclic loading, particularly in relation to earthquake exposure, has stagnated for decades. A recent research project at the Technical University of Munich focuses on the shear-compression performance of traditional small-format brick masonry and the influence of different masonry thicknesses and the use of vertically perforated bricks, to fill this essential gap in knowledge. To investigate the shear-compression behavior of unreinforced masonry (URM) in more detail in a cost-and space-saving manner the “unit-cell-method” was developed. In contrast to full-scale shear wall tests, the unit-cell-method allows for a cost-effective and flexible investigation of various parameters. For this purpose, small test specimens are tested for their shear-compression load-bearing behavior. Different test configurations enable the simulation of the load and stress state in the wall head, base or center under monodirectional static and cyclic loading of a URM shear wall. This paper presents the innovative, less cost and space intensive unit-cell-method and provides an outlook on planned test series. The new findings will lead to a more in-depth understanding of the shear-compression performance of URM masonry through systematic investigations and the development of empirical models. This will not only contribute to the preservation and restoration of architectural heritage, but also improve the structural integrity and safety of existing buildings.
KEYWORDS: biaxial-load, brick, brick masonry, cyclic load, earthquake, shear-compression load, shear load behavior, small-format brick masonry, unreinforced masonry, unit cell, unit-cell-method.
118-Gebhardt.pdf
