OAN, AHMED1; SHRIVE, NIGEL2

1 Post-Doctoral Fellow, University of Calgary, Civil Engineering Department, afoan@ucalgary.ca

2 Professor, University of Calgary, Civil Engineering Department, ngshrive@ucalgary.ca

The diagonal shear resistance of concrete masonry walls depends on several mechanisms such as dowel action of the vertical reinforcement and aggregate interlocking. Diagonal shear resistance is thus not an easy property to predict: codes differ from one another in its calculation for the shear resistance of masonry walls. The aim of the study described was to develop a simple design expression that can provide estimates for the diagonal shear resistance of partially grouted concrete masonry panels that are better than current code equations. To accomplish this objective, forty-five partially grouted panels were tested under monotonic in-plane loading. The variables in the study included the method of reinforcement and the level of applied axial stress. Using linear regression analysis, data obtained from the experimental program and the literature were used to modify the current Canadian code equation. A revised equation is proposed for estimating the diagonal shear of partially grouted concrete masonry panels. The model was verified using data from the literature. The value of experimental shear strength divided by that predicted by the equation is 1.11, with a coefficient of variation of 26%, compared to values using the current Canadian Code of 1.52 and 46% respectively, and 1.65 and 39% using the Euro code.

Keywords: masonry, Diagonal shear, Partially grouted, Shear prediction