Geometric Limits for the Seismic Design of Unreinforced Masonry Fence Walls

Abstract

Current seismic design standards require masonry free-standing walls to comply with regulations for masonry structural walls. Applying these current seismic design standards to fence walls (free-standing walls) may be inappropriate due to the different restraint conditions between fence walls and structural walls. Unlike structural walls, fence walls lack constraint at the top edge. This paper proposes new seismic design standards for unreinforced masonry fence walls. The finite element (FE) model is developed and verified by comparing the results from the shaking table tests with those from the numerical simulations. Using the verified FE model, 126 wall models are constructed by varying lengths, heights, and restraint conditions. A design basis earthquake is applied to the wall models to determine whether the wall satisfies the required seismic performance. Through extensive simulations, we limit the height-to-thickness ( & planckh;/t) and the length-to-thickness ( l/t) ratios for different restraint conditions to ensure the seismic performance of masonry fence walls. Our results can enhance current seismic design standards by offering specific guidelines for masonry fence walls.