ABSTRACT
This chapter summarizes a new, practical guide titled "Seismic Design of Special Reinforced Masonry Shear Walls. The Guide provides insight regarding analysis and design for different wall configurations, application of rules and limitations on reinforcement, and application of newly codified limit design procedures. The Guide focuses on the design of Special Rein-forced Masonry Shear Walls subjected to in-plane seismic and gravity loads. The Guide addresses universal challenges relevant to masonry seismic design in any country. The Guide also provides a more quantitative illustration of the influence of aspect ratio, axial load, and ratio of vertical to horizontal reinforcement on behavior. A Guide for Practicing Engineers" will find not only a concise guide to current practice for special walls, but also a glimpse at the currently evolving direction of codes for seismic design of masonry. Reinforced masonry has unique challenges, and this short guide should make those challenges a bit more understandable for all.
