Structural reliability analysis of reinforced grouted concrete block masonry walls in compression

The safety and reliability of reinforced grouted concrete block masonry is not accurately known in China. The present paper develops a probabilistic model to calculate the structural reliability of typical reinforced grouted concrete block masonry walls designed to Chinese standards, loaded concentrically and eccentrically in compression. The effect of probability distribution of model error, material strengths, live load type, structural safety class, live-to-dead ratio, reinforcement ratio, discretization of wall thickness, eccentricity and load effect combination were considered when calculating the structural reliability of reinforced grouted concrete block masonry walls in compression. When using the recommended distribution of model error for typical structures the existing (design) safety levels were found to be close to the target reliability for concentric compression for second class safety grade structures which comprise the majority of building stock in China. However, the reliability-based code calibration showed that design loads could be increased and decreased by 13.6% and 16.7% for first and third class safety grade structures, respectively. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.