Influence of Web Geometry on Concrete Masonry Walls Subject to Out-of-Plane Loading

Abstract

An experimental program consisting of 27 partially grouted and reinforced walls was conducted to assess the impact of concrete masonry unit (CMU) web geometry on flexural response when subject to out-of-plane loading given changes to CMU geometry as adopted by ASTM C90 in 2011 that have yet to be vetted in Canada. All walls had the same overall geometry and were constructed with either regular stretcher units conforming to either CSA A165-14 or ASTM C90-23 or knock-out units conforming to ASTM C90-23. The configuration of the longitudinal reinforcement was also varied between wall series such one of that three reinforcing ratios resulted: 0.22, 0.44, or 0.66%. No notable differences in behavior resulted due to differences in the geometry of the concrete masonry units used in wall construction, though the grout columns as included in the reinforced cells appeared to mask the influence of web geometry.