This paper presents a study about the behavior of brick masonry cavity walls. Three types of cavity walls were tested, each having two wythes of 4½ inches thickness and 2 inches cavity between the two wythes. The first type did not have any ties, the second types had I-shaped ties while the last one had Z-shaped ties. A total of six specimens were fabricated and tested, two specimens for each of the three wall types. The specimens were then subjected to constant vertical and horizontal cyclic loads in a displacement controlled environment. Lateral strength, stiffness and ductility of the walls were determined and compared. Test results show that use of ties increases stiffness of cavity walls, the increase being higher in the case of I-shaped ties compared to Z-shaped ties. The ductility also increased with I-type wall ties. However, wall ties have no effect on the lateral strength.