Through-bolt push out effects on the behavior of hybrid masonry systems

• Analyze through-bolt push-out effects on the hybrid masonry systems behavior.
• Establish and calibrate a computational framework to model hybrid masonry systems.
• Correlate the size of the nonlocal domain with the geometry of the system.
• Provide recommendations for reinforcement layout and location of connectors to maximize structural capacity.

This paper provides specifications necessary for designing hybrid masonry systems that resist through-bolt push out effects. Hybrid masonry is a relatively new structural system that can be used in seismic areas and comprises masonry panels connected to frames through steel plate connectors. However, masonry break-out at the connection between the steel plates and the masonry panel requires further analysis to better understand the load transfer mechanism of the hybrid masonry system. Therefore, we use a computational framework to model the hybrid masonry that uses a typical plasticity model with hardening for the steel components and a nonlocal two-scalar damage model that accounts for tension and compression for the masonry panel. Based on parametric studies conducted using this framework we provide recommendations for the through-bolt location and for the reinforcement percentage and location within the masonry panel to achieve best results in the load transfer mechanism of the hybrid masonry system during a seismic event.