Cyclic performance of partially grouted reinforced masonry shear walls with boundary elements

Abstract. Partially Grouted Reinforced Masonry Shear Walls (PG-RMSWs) have been used as structural elements to carry both gravity and lateral loads. However, national codes (ex. CSA) limited their use for only low-rise buildings (with a maximum aspect ratio of two) and in low-seismic regions. This study examines the in-plane behaviour of Partially Grouted Reinforced Masonry (PG-RM) shear walls, focusing on a half-scale slender wall representing 6-storey buildings. Subjected to constant axial load and quasi-static reversed cyclic loading, the wall was tested until failure, with reversed cyclic moments applied at the top due to height limitations in the lab. Key factors analysed include the effect of boundary elements on enhancing the performance of PG-RMSWs. The results show a ductile, flexure-dominated response, with displaying stable, energy-dissipating hysteretic behaviour.