Larisa Long¹, Ahmad A. Hamid², and Robert G. Drysdale³

1. A.Sc. candidate, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON.
2. Professor and Director of the Masonry Research Lab, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA. Adjunct Professor and member of the Centre for Effective Design of Structures, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON.
3. Professor and Martini, Mascarin and George Chair in Masonry Design, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON.

ABSTRACT

Physical and economic limitations can make laboratory testing of full-scale masonry wall subsystems and buildings unfeasible, particularly for dynamic loading. Small-scale modelling may be used to predict behaviour of these structures. This paper presents the results of preliminary testing of half-scale concrete masonry units for modelling in-plane behaviour of masonry shear walls. Material properties and behaviour of half-scale and full-scale masonry units and assemblages are examined. Strength, stress-strain characteristics, and failure modes of assemblages in axial compression and diagonal tension are compared and discussed. Half-scale masonry is found to behave as a good model of full-scale masonry, particularly for grouted specimens. Strength and stress-strain curves are comparable. The differences encountered are attributable to size effects, normal variation of masonry properties, and differences in block strength. These results support the feasibility of modelling full-scale masonry shear walls and buildings using half-scale units.

KEYWORDS: concrete masonry, small-scale modelling, prisms, wallettes, testing

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