Case Study on URM Parapet Bracing: Research and Application

Abstract

The main campus of a large public university in Washington State is undergoing a seismic retrofit project to seismically brace or eliminate all URM parapets. Many parapets on campus feature varying conditions such as terra cotta capstones, through-wall flashing, sloped slate roofs, and discontinuities at the roof level. Unreinforced masonry parapets have long been recognized as a falling hazard in seismic events, and recent research has focused on recommended bracing techniques. Summarized herein are conclusions gleaned from recent research in New Zealand on securing of unrein-forced masonry parapets. Parapet securing recommendations considering architectural and constructability concerns are made to the university parapet bracing project.