EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH ON THE RESISTANCE TO LATERAL FORCE OF A NEW-STYLE BLOCK MASONRY WALLS WITH CONSTRUCTIONAL COLUMNS

The previous research indicates that by inserting a concrete bolt in the hole can chain the upper block with lower block ，the shear strength of the small hollow concrete block masonry can be increased effectively and seismic performance improved. This is a new type of masonry structure. Four small-sized hollow concrete block masonry walls with constructional columns were tested under different vertical loads. The mechanical behaviors were described. The ductility and energy dissipation capacity were analyzed. The shear strength formula of the new-styles block masonry walls was proposed. The experiment shows the seismic performance of new-style block masonry walls is better than the common ones. The research indicates the new-style masonry structure can strengthen the seismic performance of masonry buildings effectively，which can be used in practical engineerings.