ABSTRACT
Dry-stack masonry systems are systems that are built without mortar between the block joints. The purpose of this change is to reduce cost of labor, reduce variability in construction from the mortar, and minimize the amount of skilled labor that is required to build a wall. In evaluating the structural capacity of dry- stack systems two subcategories emerge, interlocking systems and surface bond systems. Surface bonded systems are dry stack systems that the blocks are connected through a surface layer, usually cementitious in nature. The purpose of various design equations is to estimate the capacity of systems. The research evaluated how the capacity of a surface bonded dry-stack masonry shear wall compared to that of a standard masonry wall. Walls are built using dry-stacked normal weight concrete masonry units with an eccentrically placed reinforcement. The wall system is connected through a surface bond and lacks any geometric connection.
