Masonry construction comprises a large portion of building construction in the U.S. and the world. Reinforced masonry construction use is increasing in moderate to higher seismic zones because of its apparent features of economy, fire safety, architectural flexibility, and ease of construction. The present state of masonry structural analysis and design and materials and construction technologies does not enable an accurate prediction of building behavior under lateral loads such as seismic loads. This research project will develop a limit state design methodology for reinforced masonry under seismic loading. The methodology will first define the principles which form the assumptions upon which the methodology is based. Second, it will describe the procedures that are to be used for the implementation of the principles. Development of the limit state design methodology will provide reinforced masonry construction with a modern and economic tool comparable to those available for reinforced concrete and cold-formed steel.
