engraliahmed

This is an old post yet I want to contribute briefly for the reference of other visitors; Masonry columns or walls are good for the gravity loads but not for lateral loads (from earthquake, wind or non eccentric loads). In normal construction of houses its ok to use masonry but if large earthquakes may effect then the use of reinforced columns and corners/joints is preferable for providing lateral stability while the gravity loads still being resisted by the brick walls. In case of special usage gypsum blocks with lined reinforcement can also be used. Now a days the use of hollow blocks is also being carried out which blends well with the concrete columns.

I am Ali Ahmed, working as lecturer in University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore. I have completed my MSc Structural Engineering from the same university. I was the topper of my BSc Session (2004) & won four gold medals. Along with the lecturer-ship I am also participating actively in different research projects being carried out in UET Lahore.