In-plane lateral cyclic response of partially grouted reinforced concrete masonry shear walls with boundary elements

Partially grouted reinforced masonry shear walls (PG-RMSWs) are used as a seismic force-resisting system in masonry buildings. However, there is a lack of studies in literature regarding PG-RMSWs with high aspect ratios, where flexural behaviour dominates. This study aims to investigate the in-plane cyclic response of PG-RMSWs with high aspect ratios. The experimental investigation involved two slender walls representative of 6- and 12-storey buildings, constructed at half-scale and subjected to constant axial load and quasi-static reversed cyclic loading until failure. The key factors examined in this study were the wall aspect ratio and the enhancement achieved by providing boundary elements at the end zones of the walls. The test results indicated flexure dominated ductile performance, with both walls exhibiting symmetric and stable hysteretic responses, with high energy dissipation levels. The wall representing the 6-storey building exhibited almost twice the initial yield and ultimate capacities of the wall representing the 12-storey building. Both walls sustained significant displacement levels, demonstrating displacement ductility of 10. Notably, the walls sustained compressive strains exceeding the value of 0.008 specified by Canadian masonry design standards (CSA S304–14) for confined masonry before strength degradation initiated. Based on these findings, using boundary elements can elevate the suitability of PG walls for applications in high aspect ratio scenarios, suggesting that such an approach is both beneficial and economically feasible. • PG-RM shear walls demonstrated high ductility, primarily driven by flexural behavior. • Walls exhibited stable hysteretic responses with significant energy dissipation during loading. • The 6-storey wall showed nearly double the yield and ultimate capacities compared to the 12-storey wall. • Both walls achieved a displacement ductility factor of 10, indicating ductile performance. • Key failure modes included longitudinal rebar buckling and grout core crushing, mainly in end zones.