---
title: "Elements resisting lateral loads in masonry"
subject: "Concrete Technology and Masonry Structure"
chapter: 9
key: "semester_5/concrete_technology_and_masonry_structure:lateral-load-resisting-elements"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/concrete_technology_and_masonry_structure/lateral-load-resisting-elements
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Elements resisting lateral loads in masonry

Concrete Technology and Masonry Structure · Chapter 9: Masonry structures under lateral loads

- Asked in: 2081 Baisakh, 3 marks; 2079 Bhadra, 2 marks; 2078 Kartik, 8 marks; 2076 Chaitra, 4 marks; 2075 Chaitra, 6 marks; 2074 Ashwin, 2 marks (asked 6 times)
- Video: [CTMS || Masonry Structure || Lateral Load Resisting Masonry System (Bands) || IOE/PoU/PU/KU/MU/FU ||](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqN_o5rClWA) — Civil Abhiyanta (Knowledge Hub)
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/concrete_technology_and_masonry_structure/lateral-load-resisting-elements
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/concrete_technology_and_masonry_structure/chapter-9

## Question

What are the main elements that resist lateral loads in buildings (masonry system)? Explain with sketches.

## Short answer

Shear walls resist in-plane forces, floor/roof diaphragms transfer lateral loads, cross walls/buttresses provide out-of-plane support, and RCC bands/tie columns create box action tying walls together down to the foundation.

## Answer

In a masonry building, lateral forces from wind or earthquake are picked up by the floors and roof and passed to the walls that run parallel to the force; these walls then carry the force to the foundation. The main resisting elements are:

1. **Shear walls (load-bearing masonry walls) in the direction of the force:** resist the lateral force by in-plane shear and flexure. The shear capacity of a wall depends on its length, thickness, vertical load and mortar bond. These are the principal elements.
2. **Floor and roof diaphragms:** RCC slabs or rigid roofs act as horizontal deep beams that transmit the inertia load to the shear walls; flexible diaphragms (timber, GI sheet roofs) distribute the load poorly and need bracing.
3. **Cross walls and piers or buttresses (transverse walls):** stiffen the walls against out-of-plane forces by acting as vertical supports; the connection at the corners must be strong.
4. **Bands (ring beams) and tie columns:** RCC or timber horizontal bands at plinth, lintel, floor and roof levels tie the walls together and give box action; vertical reinforcement is placed at corners and jambs.
5. **Foundation:** transmits the load into the ground; a rigid, continuous plinth band is preferred.

```text
 Load path
 Earthquake force -> Roof diaphragm -> Shear walls (in-plane)
                          |                |
                          v                v
                   Cross walls       Foundation -> ground
                   (out-of-plane support)
```

For good behaviour, all these elements must form a **box** with a continuous load path: roofs must be tied to the walls, walls tied to each other at the corners, and openings kept small.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Which are the principal lateral load resisting elements?
   A. Shear walls parallel to the force
   B. Floor finishes
   C. Partition walls normal to force
   D. Plinth only
   Answer: A. They resist by in-plane shear and flexure. (Key point: Principal element)

2. What does a rigid roof or floor diaphragm do?
   A. Takes load directly to the foundation
   B. Acts as a horizontal deep beam transmitting inertia load to shear walls
   C. Resists vertical load only
   D. Replaces shear walls
   Answer: B. Flexible diaphragms distribute poorly. (Key point: Diaphragm role)

3. What is the role of cross walls and buttresses?
   A. Increase roof weight
   B. Resist in-plane shear only
   C. Support walls against out-of-plane forces
   D. Reduce band need
   Answer: C. They act as vertical supports for out-of-plane bending. (Key point: Cross walls)

4. What gives box action?
   A. Thicker plaster
   B. Large openings
   C. Flexible roof
   D. Bands and tie columns tying walls with a continuous load path
   Answer: D. Bands at plinth, lintel, floor and roof tie the walls. (Key point: Box action)

## Related in Concrete Technology and Masonry Structure

- [Typical damage in masonry under lateral loads](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fconcrete_technology_and_masonry_structure%3Atypical-damage-lateral-loads) — Concrete Technology and Masonry Structure, chapter 9, asked 2×
- [Design process for masonry wall under lateral loads](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fconcrete_technology_and_masonry_structure%3Adesign-wall-lateral-loading) — Concrete Technology and Masonry Structure, chapter 9
- [Lateral load elements; stepwise [cut off]](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fconcrete_technology_and_masonry_structure%3Alateral-elements-stepwise-74c) — Concrete Technology and Masonry Structure, chapter 9
- [Common deficiency and failure under gravity, lateral loads](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fconcrete_technology_and_masonry_structure%3Adeficiency-failure-gravity-lateral) — Concrete Technology and Masonry Structure, chapter 9
- [Lateral load effect on wall with and without opening](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fconcrete_technology_and_masonry_structure%3Alateral-load-wall-with-openings) — Concrete Technology and Masonry Structure, chapter 9

## Related in other subjects

- [Horizontal load resisting system in buildings](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fdesign_of_steel_and_timber_structure%3Ahorizontal-load-resisting-system) — Design of Steel and Timber Structure, chapter 1
- [Typical damage patterns in masonry buildings](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fdesign_of_timber_and_masonry_structures%3Adamage-patterns-masonry-lateral-loads) — Design of Timber and Masonry Structures, chapter 6
- [Seismic design principles for masonry buildings](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fdesign_of_timber_and_masonry_structures%3Aseismic-design-principles-masonry) — Design of Timber and Masonry Structures, chapter 7
- [Seismic strengthening techniques for masonry buildings](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fdesign_of_timber_and_masonry_structures%3Astrengthening-retrofitting-masonry-buildings) — Design of Timber and Masonry Structures, chapter 7