Shake Table Test of Confined Brick Masonry Building

This paper presents the shake table test of a one-forth scaled model, representing a typical Pakistani three stories confined brick masonry building. The model was constructed following complete model similitude and subjected to a series of sinusoidal base motions of increasing amplitude at a constant frequency equivalent to the predominant frequency of JMA Kobe-1995 earthquake record. The dynamic test data was processed and analyzed to generate the force-deformation curve, ductility ratio and response modification factor of the system. A shear-dominated failure mode was observed. As expected, the ground storey was found to suffer more damage than the other two stories. Out-of-plane failure of walls and crushing of concrete in confining elements were also noted in the final test runs. Based on the damage mechanism and force-deformation characteristics, various performance levels are suggested.