Abstract

Partially grouted reinforced masonry walls constructed with multi-perforated clay bricks are widely used for low-rise constructions in some seismic regions and, consequently, it is necessary to adequately comprehend its behavior, and to develop suitable tools for reproducing its response and estimating its shear strength. Aimed at obtaining a better understanding of the shear behavior of this masonry typology, this paper presents a comprehensive experimental program carried out in order to characterize the mechanical properties of the constituent materials and the response of the unit-mortar interface. Special attention is given in determining the shear response of small assemblages. Then, experimental results are used to create numerical simulation models by using the detailed micro-modelling approach. Finally, the obtained experimental data and simulation knowledge are applied in the reproduction of the shear response of two pairs of full-scale walls, tested in the laboratory under cyclic lateral loading. The comparison between numerical results and experimental response provides significant conclusions.