Dedicated to University Prof. Dr.-Ing. Carl-Alexander Graubner for his 60th birthday
The simplified calculation methods for unreinforced masonry structures given in DIN EN 1996-3/NA are an easily applicable design standard for an efficient and fast verification of the resistance of mainly vertically loaded masonry walls. However, the design rules are not based on mechanical models. Instead, they are empirical approaches for a simplified estimation of the load bearing capacity. For this reason, the range of application of DIN EN 1996-3/NA is limited by several conditions to ensure a sufficient safety of this design procedure.
With regard to extending the conditions for application, extensive comparative calculations were carried out. Thereby, considering clearly defined boundary conditions, the load bearing capacity according to DIN EN 1996-3/NA was compared to that according to DIN EN 1996-1-1/NA. It was the aim of this comparison to identify load bearing reserves of the simplified calculation methods to point out potential for an extension regarding the maximum permissible clear wall height and the slab span. As a result, it can be stated, that an increase of the maximum wall height up to 6.0 m and the maximum slab span of 7.0 m is possible in certain cases.