Out-of-plane seismic performance and fragility analysis of anchored brick veneer

The out-of-plane seismic fragility of single-story brick veneer walls built over a wood frame backup was evaluated analytically. Two-dimensional (2-D) finite element (FE) brick veneer wall strip models were developed, based in part on earlier experimental findings, and nonlinear time history analyses were then carried out by subjecting these FE models to synthetic earthquake ground motions representing the seismic characteristics of the central and eastern US. Onset of damage at key tie connection locations was used to evaluate the damage limit states of brick veneer walls; the two damage states considered in this fragility study were onset/accumulation of wall tie damage (described as repairable damage), and brick veneer wall instability/collapse. Throughout the analytical fragility study, brick veneer wall panel component properties were taken as deterministic, therefore mainly focusing the work on wall damage uncertainty due to seismic demand; sensitivity of wall damage probabilities to variability in ultimate capacities of the tie connections was reviewed afterwards. Three types of tie connection properties and two distinct tie layouts were represented in the FE wall models; the influence of typical wood frame house backup properties on out-of-plane seismic performance of brick veneer walls was also assessed. Seismic fragility functions were computed to represent current design standards and also common construction practices for residential brick veneer.

► Damage limit states were defined for anchored brick veneer walls.
► Seismic fragility of single-story brick veneer walls was evaluated analytically.
► Current design standards and common construction practices were investigated.
► Brick veneer generally meets performance objectives in low seismicity regions.
► Standard methods of construction are not recommended in higher seismicity regions.