Modelling of confined masonry structure and its application for the design of multi-story building

The confined masonry (CM) structure has been commonly used in the construction of one-story buildings in Indonesia. Its application for multi-story buildings however, is not yet as popular as the alternative options. This research numerically investigated the behavior of confined masonry and its application for use as the main structure of multi-story buildings subjected to seismic loading. From the validation models it was revealed that, using shell element for masonry walls, reinforced concrete beams and tie-columns, the CM model mimic the load deformation curve of tested specimen better than that using frame and shell elements. The application of the modeling technique for the design of 3-story residential building using wall density index less than that suggested in the literature resulted in a safe and stiff structure. The wall stresses under design seismic load were still less than the wall strength and the drift ratio of the model was 0.06% much smaller than the limit of 0.2%. The maximum stress observed at the corners of wall opening justify the need for confinement along the opening