Final answer:
Reinforced masonry bearing walls need to be robust to support the structure and the roof, especially in large-span roofs that can exert outward forces leading to collapse. Rigid diaphragm construction transfers loads in multiple directions, requiring strong walls and piers to prevent structural failures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reinforced Masonry Bearing Walls and Rigid Diaphragm Performance
During certain periods of construction, natural materials dictated the types of construction. Specifically, in the context of reinforced masonry bearing walls, the requirement was that the walls needed to be strong enough to support not only themselves but also the load from the roof. If a roof span was considerable, the tendency of the roof to push the walls outward could lead to structural failure. Therefore, to prevent potential collapse, the walls were designed to support only limited openings like small windows or doorways.
In discussing the performance problems related to rigid diaphragm structures, it's important to recognize that these structures transfer the load in multiple directions – significantly downwards and outwards. This multidirectional loading necessitates the use of strong walls and piers to adequately support the stone vaulting, or any other heavy roofing systems in place. Without the strength provided by these walls and piers, the performance of the entire structure could be compromised, leading to issues like cracking, deformation, and even catastrophic collapse.