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. The performance of the composite grout-reinforcing-masonry system is important to the ability of a reinforced masonry system to resist seismic loads. This research project will investigate the effects of shrinkage and bridging defects on the bond between the grout and the cavity wall in the composite and the effects of shrinkage and bridging on the bond between the grout and the reinforcing.
