Author
A.J. VALSANGKAR, J.L. DAWE and C.K. SEAH Atlantic Masonry Research & Advisory Bureau, Inc.

Abstract
Cracking in a masonry panel may be due to several causes such as, temperature movement, drying shrinkage, foundation settlement, and excessive loading. Interaction of a masonry wall and a flexible foundation may result in undesirably high stresses that lead to cracking. A finite element computer program is used to evaluate the effects of masonry wall-foundation interactions. Included in this analytical study are the effects on stress distribution in the wall of subgrade modulus, stiffness of foundation slab, and masonry wall stiffness. The effectiveness of remedial measures such as the use of control joints and reinforcement for crack control are also investigated.