An experimental and numerical study on the lateral load response of reinforced and unreinforced masonry structures in accordance with TBDY-2018

Masonry structures are widely used along the Eastern Anatolian, North Anatolian, and Western Aegean fault zones and constitute a significant portion of the existing building stock in Turkey. Due to inadequate material quality and the improper application of construction techniques, these structures often exhibit poor seismic performance. Nevertheless, they are frequently preferred for economic reasons and are predominantly found in rural areas and historic settlements. Consequently, research on masonry structures is of vital importance for both mitigating existing seismic risks and enhancing the safety of historical and contemporary buildings. The Turkish Building Earthquake Code (TBDY 2018) defines various types of masonry structures. In this study, the seismic behavior of reinforced and unreinforced masonry buildings, as classified in Section 11 of the code, was investigated through experimental and numerical methods. Full-scale, single-story, single-bay masonry specimens measuring 3.2×3.3×3 m were constructed in a laboratory setting. These specimens were subjected to reversed cyclic loading to examine their structural response. The loading protocol involved load-controlled cycles up to the maximum load, followed by displacement-controlled cycles. Data collected at each loading stage were digitally recorded. Damage states were evaluated through visual inspection, and affected regions were marked accordingly. Numerical analyses were conducted using the ANSYS software, and the results were compared with the experimental findings. In addition, challenges encountered during the specimen fabrication process such as labor intensity and cost differences were analyzed. The results indicate that reinforced masonry structures demonstrate superior load-bearing capacity, ductility, and energy dissipation compared to unreinforced ones. However, due to increased construction complexity and costs, their widespread implementation requires comprehensive planning and engineering considerations. The strong correlation between the numerical and experimental results supports the reliability and validity of the study.