Optimization of Wall Dimensions in Earthquake-Resistant Masonry Structure Design Using the Taguchi Method

This study investigates seismic loads in single-story masonry buildings with walls of varying heights and thicknesses, and determines optimum wall dimensions for seismic resistance using the Taguchi method. For this purpose, 25 (5 × 5 = 25) different masonry building models were created with thicknesses of 16, 20, 24, 28, and 32 cm and heights of 260, 280, 300, 320, and 340 cm. The building models were analysed using a software package in accordance with the 2018 Turkish Building Earthquake Code (2018 TBEC). C-30 concrete and S-420 steel were used in the designed building models. A 12 cm thick reinforced concrete slab was placed on top of the masonry walls. A live load of 0.2 t/m2 was designed on the slab, and the mortar strength of the brick wall was taken as 30 MPa. When a building model with a height of 260 cm and a thickness of 16 cm was used as a reference, it was observed that the seismic resistance of other building models increased by approximately 72%, while shear forces increased by approximately 89% in the “x” direction and approximately 95% in the “y” direction. Furthermore, it was observed that as the ratio of wall height to wall thickness increased, the seismic resistance of the building models decreased. The seismic resistance of 25 different building models was analysed using the Taguchi method, depending on wall thickness and wall height. The analysis revealed that the building model with walls 24 cm thick and 340 cm high was the most resistant to shear forces, while the building model with walls 32 cm thick and 340 cm high provided the best resistance to seismic loads.