Dynamic testing of as-built clay brick unreinforced masonry parapets. (15th November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Giaretton, Marta; Dizhur, Dmytro; Ingham, Jason M.
• Is Part Of: Engineering structures. Volume 127(2016:Nov. 15)
• Page Start: 676
• Page End: 685
• Publication Date: 2016-11-15
• Subjects: URM parapet -- Parapet failure -- Rocking response -- Dynamic behaviour -- Out-of-plane -- Shake table testing; Structural engineering -- Periodicals; Structural analysis (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Construction, Technique de la -- Périodiques; Génie parasismique -- Périodiques; Pression du vent -- Périodiques; Earthquake engineering; Structural engineering; Wind-pressure; Periodicals; 624.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2016.09.016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-0296

Abstract

Highlights: Shake-table tests of 13 URM parapets having different parapet height and mortar mix. Analysis of the crack-pattern and comparison with post-earthquake observations. Identification of the peak table acceleration at both initial cracking and rocking. Analysis of the free-rocking oscillation and estimation of the rocking period. Estimation of the effective PGA causing parapet failure in multi-storey buildings. Abstract: Unreinforced masonry (URM) parapets are free-standing components located above the perimeter walls of URM buildings and pose a significant falling hazard that has resulted in numerous injuries and costly repairs in recent earthquakes around the world. When subjected to earthquake-induced loads, as-built URM parapets are prone to horizontal cracking at the roof level followed by the initiation of rocking, which leads to cantilever-type out-of-plane failure. In response to these observations, the earthquake performance of 13 full-scale solid clay brick URM parapets when subjected to out-of-plane dynamic loading was experimentally investigated using a shake-table. To mimic in-situ conditions for the most commonly encountered configurations, recycled solid clay bricks and a variety of mortar mixes were used for the tested parapets. Two-leaf-thick (230 mm) and 1200 mm wide parapets with height ranging between 720 mm and 1605 mm were tested. Valuable experimental data was attained to assess the dynamic response of as-built URM parapets, and the results were compared with the assessment procedures available in the literature and current guidelines for practice.