Pseudo-dynamic testing of unreinforced masonry building with flexible diaphragm

To complement the computer simulations, component testing, and small-scale shake table tests done by other researchers, a full-scale one-story unreinforced brick masonry specimen having a wood diaphragm was subjected to earthquake excitations using pseudo-dynamic testing. The specimen was designed to better understand the flexible-floor/rigid-wall interaction, the impact of wall continuity at the building corners and the effect of a relatively weak diaphragm on the expected seismic behavior. This paper reports on the characteristics of the specimen and the analyses of the dynamic response of the shear walls with piers having a rocking and/or a sliding behavior. These results are compared with predictions from existing seismic evaluation methodologies. It is found that the overall building was relatively resilient to earthquake excitation, even though cracking was extensive, and that some (but not all) of the existing seismic evaluation methodologies accurately capture the rocking/sliding behavior that developed in the shear walls under large displacement.