FEMA 356
FEMA 356
(OP)
Hi All,
We are doing a seismic evaluation of a URM structure. Is anybody familiar with FEMA 356, Chpt. 7 P. 7-4, eqn (7-2). Deals with testing to determine the individual bed joint shear strength of the mortar. From this equation you deduct P(D+L), or the gravity load bearing on the brick above the one you are testing. Makes sense in order to determine what the shear strength of the mortar is. Question finally is what tributary area above the brick would you use? Would you assume a 45 degree slope extending away and up from the brick ends till you have an effective width/length ... Well that's a good question as well?...and calculate P(D) from that? It's a 3 course muli-wythe wall with header courses every 6th course. Thank-you for considering this.
We are doing a seismic evaluation of a URM structure. Is anybody familiar with FEMA 356, Chpt. 7 P. 7-4, eqn (7-2). Deals with testing to determine the individual bed joint shear strength of the mortar. From this equation you deduct P(D+L), or the gravity load bearing on the brick above the one you are testing. Makes sense in order to determine what the shear strength of the mortar is. Question finally is what tributary area above the brick would you use? Would you assume a 45 degree slope extending away and up from the brick ends till you have an effective width/length ... Well that's a good question as well?...and calculate P(D) from that? It's a 3 course muli-wythe wall with header courses every 6th course. Thank-you for considering this.






RE: FEMA 356
No, you are just looking at a uniform load imposed from directly above (although it is reasonable to assume some downward spreading of applied concentrated loads from above such as at girders or truss seats).
regards,
Michel