Title: Structural Design of Masonry Buildings: The Mexican Practice

Author(s): R. Meli

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 147

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 239-262

Keywords: buildings; confined masonry; earthquake-resistant structures; lateral pressure; loads (forces); masonry walls; standards; structural design; structures; tests; Design

DOI: 10.14359/4368

Date: 9/1/1994

Abstract:
Confined masonry walls constitute the basic vertical structural system for residential buildings up to five stories high in Mexico. The practice of their design and construction, their performance during recent earthquakes, and the changes in code regulations and in design and construction practice imposed by the lessons learned from the 1985 earthquake are discussed briefly. Also summarized is the experimental research that constitutes the basis for present design regulations. The comprehensive research program carried out since the late 1960s includes tests on units and mortars, small masonry subassemblages, full-scale walls, and complete structural systems.