Reinforced masonry buildings have had generally had good seismic performance during previous earthquakes providing they have a complete and adequate load path for seismic forces. However, as with any type of structure, reinforced masonry buildings can and have had significant seismic damage. Typical damage to reinforced masonry structures is as follows:
- Wall Cracking (Lightly reinforced walls may be subject to cracking)
- Failed Piers (Generally associated with a soft or weak story irregularities, and lack of overall strength)
- Out-of-Plane Failure (Separation of walls from roof and floor diaphragms due to inadequate anchorage)
- Diaphragms (failure of generally wood framed roof and floor systems)
