Author

GATTESCO, N.
University of Trieste, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
MACORINI, L.
Imperial College London, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
CLEMENTE, I. and NOE’, S
University of Trieste, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Abstract

This paper presents some results achieved in experimental tests carried out to investigate the structural response of unreinforced masonry spandrels under cyclic loads. Two full-scale brick masonry specimens with spandrels marked by different lintels were considered in the research. They were loaded under displacement control so as to simulate the actual response of spandrels in masonry buildings under earthquake conditions. The accuracy of the analytical expressions provided by current codes of practice to calculate the spandrel capacity has been checked against the experimental outcomes. Finally, the effectiveness of two strengthening techniques for unreinforced masonry spandrels, that consider the coupling of masonry beams either with steel ties or with steel angles, was pointed out. The results achieved made up for the lack of experimental data on the behaviour of these structural elements and allowed the reliability of analytical expressions for the shear capacity, proposed by codes of practice, to be checked. Moreover these results constitute a valid reference to calibrate numerical models for the seismic assessment of masonry buildings.

Key words
Unreinforced masonry spandrels, cyclic shear test, seismic performance, strengthening technique