Author
R. JASINSKI and J. KUBICA
Silesian University of Technology

Abstract
A comparison of the results of two series of tests on specimens of horizontally sheared masonry walls is presented. One series concerns unreinforced specimens and the other reinforced. Unreinforced models marked as HC and reinforced ones with smooth steel bars marked as HC – ZPI were tested. Reinforcement bars (diameter 6mm) were placed in every sixth bed joint. The reinforcement ratio was ρ = 0.05%. The main investigations were carried out for different levels of initial compressive stress in the range of 0 to 1.5N/mm2. The influence of using of reinforcement on the shear stress corresponding to first crack appearance, load capacity and crack pattern was analysed. The experiments show that using reinforcement made a significant effect to the deformation and values of shear modulus.