A finite element investigation on structural performance of fully grouted reinforced masonry building

It is well known that the reinforced masonry (RM) system with vertical and horizontal reinforcement provide enhanced resistance to lateral cyclonic and seismic loading. All the prevailing international masonry design standards included the contribution of the steel area in their design equations. However, recent studies have shown that the partially grouted RM walls would most likely not perform up to the code expectations. While most investigations considered walls under independent actions ignoring practicable boundary and loading conditions; the research reported herein focused on the structural performance of fully-grouted reinforced masonry (FGRM), multi-storied building. The prototype building adopted a design detail within the provisions of the current Australian masonry standard AS3700-2011. The assessment was carried out through a recently developed explicit finite element (EFE) model. Results on the structural performance of the prototype building is discussed. It is shown that the adopted design detail provided sufficient lateral load resistance and ductility to the FGRM building. The structural design fulfils the structural performance requirements irrespective of the geographic location of the structure within inland Australia.