Experimental investigation of dynamic behavior of confined and reinforced panel system masonry structures

Masonry structures constitute a large portion of Turkey's current housing stock. These structures are particularly concentrated in rural areas. While these structures in rural areas are generally constructed based on the experience of master builders and building owners, masonry structures in cities are constructed with engineering principles in mind. Masonry structures constructed without engineering knowledge have low earthquake resistance. Newly constructed masonry structures can be considered earthquake-resistant if constructed in accordance with the conditions specified in the code. The 2018 Turkish Building Earthquake Code provides detailed information on the points to be considered in the construction of masonry structures. In addition, the code defines different types of masonry structures for new masonry structures. In this study, the dynamic behavior of masonry buildings with Confined and Reinforced Panel Systems, as defined in Chapter 11 of the Turkish Building Earthquake Code, was experimentally investigated. Confined masonry and reinforced panel system masonry specimens were produced in a laboratory environment and subjected to shaking table tests. The natural vibration frequencies, periods, and damping ratios of the samples were obtained from the data obtained from the experiments. When the results obtained from the experiments were examined, it was observed that the confined masonry specimen had a 5.8% increase in frequency, a 5.48% decrease in natural period, and a 6.20% decrease in natural damping ratio compared to the reinforced panel masonry specimen. Among the specimens, the confined masonry specimen increased its stiffness by 11.94%.