Confined masonry: an introduction and practical considerations

Confined masonry is a structural typology in which load-bearing masonry walls are enclosed by reinforced concrete tie-columns and tie-beams. Crucially, these columns and beams are cast after the masonry walls are constructed, ensuring that masonry walls are the primary load-bearing and lateral force-resisting elements. The surrounding reinforced concrete members are solely there to provide confinement, improving the strength and ductility of the walls in a seismic event.
 
Confined masonry has been widely adopted in earthquake-prone regions, particularly in Latin America, and, when properly detailed and constructed, has been found to perform even during major earthquakes. Because it relies only on traditional reinforced concrete and masonry construction techniques that are common in developing countries, confined masonry offers a practical and cost-effective solution for low- and medium-rise buildings in seismic regions across the world.

As well as running through the design process, this lecture highlights practical considerations to simplify construction and achieve a higher quality, more robust final building. Reference was made throughout the presentation to examples from a project in the East African Rift Valley in Kenya.

The lecture covers:

• Confined masonry wall design process (following both simple masonry rules and detailed analysis approach)

• Interpretation of Eurocode rules, and the state of the art in confined masonry design

• Practical tips to simplify construction

Speaker

Matt Penellum

Matt Penellum

Associate Director, AECOM

Matt has worked on projects in seismically active regions across the world. He sits on IStructE’s Humanitarian and International Development Panel and volunteers as an engineer/technician for Urban Search and Rescue Charity SARAID. He has worked on iconic UK listed buildings such as Norman Shaw North (Scotland Yard’s original headquarters) and the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben). Matt won the Young Structural Engineering Professional Award in 2023.