Shear in plain, bed joint reinforced, and post-tensioned masonry

Masonry is cost competitive on a life cycle basis with other forms of construction, and should therefore be considered as a structural material more frequently by both architects and engineers. Post-tensioned geometric sections of masonry are structurally efficient wall systems. Post-tensioning with carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) is an attractive solution to potential corrosion problems with unbonded tendons. Tests on CFRP post-tensioned diaphragm walls have revealed that shear strength in prestressed masonry is an area deserving more study and improvement. The tests also showed that the bonding pattern of the masonry at the web-flange junction can have a substantial effect on the resulting strength of that connection. A test series to evaluate the effects of prestress force and bed reinforcement on shear strength has been carried out and a summary of the results is presented here. Tests to determine the effect of bonding pattern on the strength of the web-flange connection have also been conducted.