Title:
Out-of-Plane Structural Performance of Stack Bond Masonry Walls with Bond Beams (Prepublished)
Author(s):
Jonathan Dirk, Samuel Ehikhuenmen, Sreekanta Das, and Bennett Banting
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
axial loading; bond beams; failure mode; flexural behavior; out-of-plane bending; reinforced concrete masonry wall; running bond; stack bond
DOI:
10.14359/51749302
Date:
11/6/2025
Abstract:
This study investigates the structural performance improvement when bond beams are included in stack bond walls. Nine 4.0 m x 2.4 m x 0.20 m masonry walls were tested under out-of-plane and axial loads. The walls were constructed in three configurations: running bond, stack bond without bond beams, and stack bond with bond beams, following TMS 402/602 standard. Results show similar failure patterns and crack formation between running bond and stack bond walls, but stack bond walls with bond beams exhibited distinct behavior. Stack bond walls with bond beams showed slightly higher out-of-plane flexural capacity compared to running bond walls, with a difference ranging from 4 to 5%. These findings provide valuable insights for evaluating the structural performance of concrete masonry walls with different bonding patterns. This study suggests a potential revision to the Canadian (CSA S304) masonry design standard, potentially lifting restrictions on stack bond masonry wall construction.