Diaphragm Failures

Another type of failure is known as a diaphragm failure. Masonry walls tend to behave as rigid members, while the floors and interior walls, which are made of timber, behave as flexible diaphragms. When a building is subjected to quake loads, the flexible diaphragms are moved within their planes. Problems are caused where the diaphragms meet the exterior masonry walls. The movement of these diaphragms exert considerable force on the walls, causing them to be pushed outward or even collapse. Once again, reinforcements can be installed at the connections of the joints and walls to mitigate this problem.