Experimental Assessment of Controlled Rocking Masonry Walls with Energy Dissipation Accessible in a Steel Base

Previous research studies have been conducted to investigate the seismic behavior of Controlled Rocking Masonry Walls (CRMWs) that rely on gravity loads for self-centering and incorporate supplementary Energy Dissipation (ED) devices for response control (ED-CRMWs). However, these studies have highlighted several limitations arising from the installation of ED devices within the wall, with other challenges for repairs after the device yielding or fracturing. Consequently, a novel system known as Controlled Rocking Masonry Walls with Energy Dissipation Accessible in a Steel Base (EASt-CRMWs) was recently introduced. In this system, masonry walls are built on a steel rocking base, allowing for the installation of ED devices within the wall’s footprint. Furthermore, these ED devices take the form of externally mounted cantilevered steel flexural yielding arms, which can be easily replaced following seismic events. Although EASt-CRMWs have shown superior seismic performance when tested under cyclic loading, the dynamic response of this new system has not been explored to date. In this respect, the current study presents the experimental results of one EASt-CRMW that was subjected to snap-back testing followed by displacement-controlled quasi-static cyclic fully reversed loading. The experimental results are detailed in terms of the free vibration response decay, coefficient of restitution, equivalent viscous damping, force–displacement responses, and residual drift ratios. Based on these experimental results, the current study is expected to present EASt-CRMW as a resilient seismic force-resisting system within masonry construction, characterized by low damage and rapid recovery after major earthquakes.