---
title: "Improving seismic performance of masonry"
subject: "Concrete Technology and Masonry Structure"
chapter: 9
key: "semester_5/concrete_technology_and_masonry_structure:seismic-performance-improvement"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/concrete_technology_and_masonry_structure/seismic-performance-improvement
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Improving seismic performance of masonry

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

- Asked in: 2076 Chaitra, 2 marks
- Video: [GI Wire Containment Reinforcement for Seismic Resistant Masonry Construction](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4plniHqD71M) — Academy of Earthquake Safety
- 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/seismic-performance-improvement
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/concrete_technology_and_masonry_structure/chapter-9

## Question

How do you improve the seismic performance of a masonry structure?

## Short answer

Achieve box action with horizontal RCC bands and vertical corner bars, use rigid roof/wall connections, keep openings small and away from corners, maintain regular plan with cross walls, use strong bricks and rich mortar, and provide reinforcement or retrofitting by ferrocement jacketing.

## Answer

The seismic performance of a masonry building is improved by:

1. **Box action:** tie the walls together with horizontal RCC bands (plinth, lintel, roof) and vertical bars at corners and junctions (IS 4326, NBC 109).
2. **A rigid roof/floor diaphragm** of RCC slab, anchored to the walls.
3. **Limiting openings** (small, symmetrically placed, not near corners) and limiting wall height and length.
4. **A regular, symmetric plan** with enough cross walls.
5. **Better materials and workmanship:** strong bricks, cement mortar of 1:6 or richer (1:4 for higher seismic categories), good bond and curing.
6. **Confined or reinforced masonry** to give ductility.
7. For existing buildings, **retrofitting** by ferrocement or wire-mesh plaster jacketing and added bands.

## Check yourself

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

1. How is box action obtained?
   A. Horizontal RCC bands and vertical bars at corners and junctions
   B. Large openings
   C. Flexible roofs
   D. Thin walls
   Answer: A. IS 4326 and NBC 109. (Key point: Box action)

2. How should openings be?
   A. Large and near corners
   B. Small, symmetric, away from corners
   C. Anywhere
   D. Only at corners
   Answer: B. Limits weakening of walls. (Key point: Openings)

3. How are existing buildings improved?
   A. Adding heavy roof
   B. Removing bands
   C. Ferrocement or wire-mesh plaster jacketing and added bands
   D. Removing cross walls
   Answer: C. Retrofit adds ties and strength. (Key point: Retrofit)

## Related in Concrete Technology and Masonry Structure

- [Masonry structure and its limitations](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fconcrete_technology_and_masonry_structure%3Amasonry-definition-limitations) — Concrete Technology and Masonry Structure, chapter 7
- [In-plane and out-of-plane behaviour of masonry](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fconcrete_technology_and_masonry_structure%3Ain-plane-out-of-plane-behaviour) — Concrete Technology and Masonry Structure, chapter 9, asked 9×
- [Elements resisting lateral loads in masonry](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fconcrete_technology_and_masonry_structure%3Alateral-load-resisting-elements) — Concrete Technology and Masonry Structure, chapter 9, asked 6×
- [Diagonal shear test of masonry wall](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fconcrete_technology_and_masonry_structure%3Adiagonal-shear-test) — Concrete Technology and Masonry Structure, chapter 10, asked 6×
- [Uses and scope of masonry structures](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fconcrete_technology_and_masonry_structure%3Amasonry-uses-scope) — Concrete Technology and Masonry Structure, chapter 7, asked 5×
- [Brick masonry infill walls in RC frames](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fconcrete_technology_and_masonry_structure%3Amasonry-infill-walls) — Concrete Technology and Masonry Structure, chapter 7, asked 3×

## Related in other subjects

- [Seismic behaviour of unreinforced and reinforced masonry](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fdesign_of_timber_and_masonry_structures%3Aseismic-behavior-urm-versus-reinforced) — Design of Timber and Masonry Structures, chapter 7
- [Seismic base shear of a masonry building](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fdesign_of_timber_and_masonry_structures%3Abase-shear-two-storey-masonry-building) — Design of Timber and Masonry Structures, chapter 7
- [Seismic bands and vertical reinforcement in masonry](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fdesign_of_timber_and_masonry_structures%3Aseismic-bands-and-vertical-reinforcement) — 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