CE 625A: MASONRY STRUCTURES

SEMESTER II: 2014-15

Homework #1: Case Study Knowing Masonry Structures

Due January 15, 2014

Prob. #1

Either visit a load bearing masonry structure or perform a web-based research of such a structure
to understand its load resisting system for various loads, such as gravity, wind and earthquake as
well as its construction methods, such as materials used.
You have to summarize your observations in two pages of text and at the most two full pages of
the sketches/photos showing the force resisting system. Also classify the structure and its
structural elements into one of the types listed below. Consider first the resistance of the structure
against gravity loads and then lateral loads.
Various structure types
Post & Beam
Frames
Trusses
Arches
Walls, Plates, Slabs
Shells and Domes
Membranes

Prob. #2

Briefly describe the differences and similarties between the following set of terms associated with
masonry structures:
a) Walls, Piers and Buttresses
b) Corbelling, Pendentiums and Squinching
c) Arches, Vaults and Domes
Prob. #3

Explain the following:

a) Middle one-third rule for masonry elements
b) Arching action and funicular line

CE:625A/Dr. Durgesh Rai/S-II-2014-15/Page 1