Unreinforced masonry is not as sturdy and risks partial or complete collapse during an earthquake.
Unreinforced masonry walls lack steel reinforcing bars inside. This steel is necessary because it adds strength to a building’s structure. As a result, unreinforced masonry is not as sturdy and risks partial or complete collapse during an earthquake. In addition, an unreinforced masonry building consists of load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls. However, reinforcing materials like cinderblock, concrete, or rebar don’t support either. Generally, unreinforced masonry is made of hollow clay tiles, concrete blocks, bricks, and stone. (more…)