Author
Y HAN1, M J MASIA1, S J LAWRENCE2 and A W PAGE1
1 Centre for Infrastructure Performance and Reliability, School of Engineering,
The University of Newcastle, Australia
2SPL Consulting Pty Ltd, Australia

Abstract
This paper describes a series of tests using masonry specimens consisting of four brick units subjected to one?way vertical, one-way horizontal and two-way (or biaxial) bending as well as different levels of vertical in-plane pre-compressive load. The biaxial bending was performed using different ratios of vertical and horizontal moment. This type of variation of loading conditions can be found at the various locations in a real wall panel when the wall is subjected to face load and supported on two or more adjacent edges. The peak load as well as residual resistance load was monitored. The purpose-built test rig will be described and different failure modes under various bending conditions will be discussed. These tests will help us understand the behaviour of masonry walls subjected to bending at a fundamental level. It is hoped that the results will ultimately lead to the development of more rational design procedures for face loaded masonry walls.