Database for Out-of-Plane Behavior of Masonry Walls Reinforced with Grade 80 Deformed Bars

The use of non-prestressed high-strength steel reinforcing bars (HSRBs) in structural design has gained traction in recent years due to their potential to reduce steel quantities while achieving higher structural capacities. In the U.S., HSRBs have begun to see a broader usage in structural elements such as frames, beams, columns, and reinforced concrete walls. However, current masonry design standards do not permit the use of HSRBs. This DesignSafe project reports experimental datasets for masonry elements reinforced with Grade 80 (550 MPa) bars. The elements were fabricated with concrete masonry (CMU) and clay brick (CB) units. Several test variables were considered, including the grouting level, the bar size and grade, the use of fiber-reinforced grout, and the use lap-spliced versus continuous bars. The test program is intended to inform future revisions of masonry design standards by demonstrating the feasibility of using Grade 80 reinforcement in structural masonry.