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This paper describes a test program to evaluate shear behavior of masonry piers constructed with portland cement and masonry cement-based mortars and tested under simulated seismic loading. Both clay brick and concrete masonry block pier specimens were subjected to in-plane cyclic shear stresses. Several brands of masonry cement and portland cement were used in fabrication of 32 specimens. The pier portion of specimens was minimally reinforced for flexure and partially grouted. No shear reinforcement was provided. The specimens were loaded in a manner to eliminate any axial force in the pier cross section. Results indicate that the shear strength of masonry piers constructed with masonry cement-based mortars compared favorably with those constructed with portland cement-based mortars. Values of maximum shear stress obtained with portland cement and masonry cement-based mortars were close and within the range of scatter normally expected in experimental data. The shear strength was not influenced significantly by the use of Types M or S mortars.

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