Masonry as a structural material

Four case studies are presented which illustrate the use of masonry as a structural material. Results of laboratory studies for unreinforced piers subjected to in-plane lateral forces, and infill panels subjected to out-of-plane pressures, are discussed. Measured dynamic response of a two-story, unreinforced masonry building subjected to the Loma Prieta Earthquake and parallel analytical studies are presented. Design of a post-tensioned concrete masonry reaction wall structure is discussed in terms of its measured behavior under lateral loads. Performance of these structural elements and systems is used to document that masonry can indeed be considered as a structural material.