LAUSR

This paper reports on a comprehensive research on the performance of self-centering masonry walls (SMWs). A summary of an experimental study is presented. Finite element (FE) study was performed and verified against experimental results to predict the behaviour of SMWs. Using the verified FE modelling; Phase I of a parametric study was conducted aiming at developing a refined approach to better predict the ultimate capacity of SMWs. Subsequently, an equation was derived to estimate the length of the plastic hinge, which was then incorporated into an analytical method to determine the force–displacement behaviour of SMWs. In the analytical approach, displacement compatibility rather than strain compatibility was considered assuming the rocking mechanism of SMWs. Using experimental results; it was shown that the analytical approach could be used to effectively predict the force–displacement response of SMWs. The verified analytical method was then used to carry out Phase II of the parametric study, resulting in developing a new equation to estimate the depth of neutral axis depth. Using this new equation and plastic hinge expression developed in Phase I of the parametric study, a simplified expression was proposed to determine the flexural capacity of SMWs. Using both laboratory tests and numerical modelling analysis, it was indicated that both of the proposed refined and simplified method could significantly improve the strength prediction of SMWs.