Full scale testing of unreinforced masonry walls with openings

Full scale lateral loading tests on unreinforced masonry walls with an opening are presented. The main scope of the experimental program was to investigate the role of spandrels and their interaction with piers. The specimens were subjected to displacement-controlled quasi-static lateral force under constant vertical forces on piers and were composed by two piers connected by a spandrel panel. The contribution of the following spandrel configurations was investigated: (1) spandrel with wooden lintel above the opening; (2) spandrel with masonry arch above the opening and reinforced concrete bond beam at the top. A composite strengthening system was also applied on both sides of the first spandrel type to assess its effectiveness in seismic upgrading and quick repair/remedial measures during earthquake sequences. In all cases nonlinear behaviour of specimens was significantly affected by rocking of piers and heavy damage to spandrels, which allowed satisfactory specimen re-centring and large displacement capacity.