Study of Seismic Performance and Displacement Ductility of Confined Masonry Structures

In order to research seismic behaviours of masonry structures confined by tie-columns and beams, a 1:2 pseudo-static model test of a two-storied brick masonry building with confined elements was conducted. The mechanical characteristics, the strain development of tensioned bars in the constructional columns, and the structural skeleton curve were studied in the test. The results of the model test were compared using a numerical analysis technique, and the rationality of the parameter settings was verified. In addition, a quantitative analysis of the relationship between the change in the displacement ductility coefficient and the increment of many factors of influence including the number of stories, floor height, brick walls, and constructional columns on the floors, and the quantitative expression of the function are presented. The analysis results show that tie-columns, beams, and walls can undergo the same deformation mechanism, constraint and limit deformation, and the development of cracks. The damage to masonry structures can exhibit ductile characteristics. Increasing the number of walls can improve the lateral bearing capacity of the structures, but it cannot increase the displacement ductility, whereas increasing the number of tie-columns can significantly increase the displacement ductility. The displacement ductility coefficient can be increased by three times the increase in the number of constructional columns.