Dmytro Dizhur¹, Marta Giaretton², and Jason Ingham³
Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Auckland, New Zealand
1)  ddiz01@aucklanduni.ac.nz
2)  mgia506@aucklanduni.ac.nz
3)  j.ingham@auckland.ac.nz

Keywords: Wall-to-diaphragm connections, URM retrofit, earthquake strengthening

Abstract. The ability of timber diaphragms to transfer seismic loads to masonry loadbearing walls significantly influences the global earthquake behaviour of unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings. The use of wall-to-diaphragm connections is one common technique adopted to facilitate the load transfer from horizontal to vertical members. Limited experimental research has been undertaken to provide physical validation of current recommendations in design standards and guidelines. The experimental study reported herein included a total of 8 tests undertaken on original  vintage plate anchor connections installed in an existing URM building. Attained failure modes and corresponding force-displacement curves are presented herein.
In the presence of effective wall-to-diaphragm connections, it is necessary to ensure the load path is transferred into the diaphragm. Such load path transferring connectors commonly consist of horizontal timber blockings fixed into the masonry wall between the existing timber joists. Experimental testing of the timber-to-timber connections with different configurations of timber blocking was undertaken and the ultimate capacity was established.