Low-cost hybrid design of masonry structures for developing countries: Shaking table tests

This study presents a large-scale shaking table investigation aimed at the development of dual, low-cost hybrid design approach for reduction seismic damage in developing countries. The introduction novel isolation strategy, defined as ‘PVC sand-wich’ lies core proposed approach. latter relates to conventional, ‘good practice’ (including steel wire mesh wall retrofit and connecting ties) that permits strength-based resistance lateral loads intensity up earthquake combined with sliding ‘fuse’ mechanism is triggered once above threshold exceeded. A three times scaled-down seismically isolated masonry model prototype structure located Nepal designed, constructed according tested ground motion excitations on 3 m × table. efficiency assessed through experimental structure, while response corresponding unretrofitted simulated numerically. results demonstrate PVC sand-wich can be promising alternative more expensive mitigating solutions.