[slideshow_deploy id=’1131′]
Confined masonry was introduced in the west provinces of Argentina by European immigrants by the end of the 1920´s. Since then, this type of construction has been widely used as structural system for low rise buildings in seismic regions (one to three story buildings for houses, schools, industrial facilities, etc.).

Earthquake Performance
Severe earthquakes (San Juan, 1944, Caucete, 1977, Mendoza, 1985) showed a very good performance of confined masonry.

Guidelines, Codes, and Standards
The national seismic code (INPRES-CIRSOC 103, Parte III) includes detailed specifications for the analysis, design and construction of confined masonry walls.

• Click here to see more about Argentina codes and standards 

Publications

• Design and Construction in Seismic-Resistant Masonry Standards in Force in the Province of Mendoza, Argentina R.J. Michelini, N.G. Maldonado, Paper#903, 9th International Brick\Block Masonry Conference (1991)

World Housing Encyclopedia Reports:

• Report # 1 : Confined Block Masonry House
• Report # 70 : Solid brick masonry house with composite hollow clay tile and concrete joist roof slabs