Doctoral Dissertations

Keywords and Phrases

Axial Load; Code Limit; Displacement Ductility; Reinforced Masonry; Seismic Design; Shear Walls

Abstract

Reinforced masonry shear walls (RMSWs), essential for lateral and out-of-plane load-resisting systems in modern construction are constrained by TMS 402/602 code limits on reinforcement ratios ("ρ" _"max" ) and axial compressive stresses (≤10% of masonry compressive strength, f_m^'), undermining masonry’s inherent compression capacity under high axial loads. This dissertation investigates the seismic performance of reinforced masonry shear walls (RMSWs) subjected to high axial compressive stresses (10–20% of f_m^'), with a focus on walls violating the maximum reinforcement ratio ("ρ" _"max") and axial load limits of TMS 402-22. Through experimental testing of 30 large-scale fully grouted (FG) and partially grouted (PG) walls under in-plane and out-of-plane cyclic loading and advanced finite element (FE) modeling, the study evaluates failure mechanisms, ductility, energy dissipation, and stiffness degradation. Key findings reveal that many code-noncompliant walls exhibit ductile flexural failure with drift capacities exceeding 2%, masonry strains 2–3× the TMS 402-22 limit (0.0025), and plasticity extending up to 78% of wall height. However, walls with shear-dominant behavior or axial loads exceeding 15% experienced reduced ductility (e.g., 29% loss in PG walls) and localized damage. The FE framework proposes revised shear strength equations with axial load correction factors, addressing code conservatism (30% underestimation). Revisions for compression zone depth and curvature-based ductility metrics improve boundary element triggers. Recommendations advocate strain-based design over "ρ" _"max" constraints, relaxed axial load limits, and redefined plastic hinge lengths for RMSWs to optimize seismic resilience while reducing overdesign.

Advisor(s)

ElGawady, Mohamed

Committee Member(s)

Gheni, Ahmed
Wu, Chenglin
Yan, Guirong Grace
Sneed, Lesley

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Degree Name

Ph. D. in Civil Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Summer 2025

Journal article titles appearing in thesis/dissertation

Paper I, found on pages 8–48, is intended for submission to ASCE Journal of Structural Engineering.
Paper II, found on pages 49–96, is intended for submission to ASCE Journal of Structural Engineering.
Paper III, found on pages 97–145, is intended for submission to ASCE Journal of Structural Engineering.
Paper IV, found on pages 146–180, is intended for submission to Journal of Engineering Structures.
Paper V, found on pages 181–219, is intended for submission to Journal of Engineering Structures.
Paper VI, found on pages 220–283, is intended for submission to ACI Structural Journal.

Pagination

xxi, 347 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes_bibliographical_references_(pages 342-344)

Rights

© 2025 Tousif Mahmood , All Rights Reserved

Document Type

Dissertation - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 12513

Download

Share

 
COinS