The use of new composite materials for reinforcement of heritage masonry structures, especially in seismic prone areas, is of interest structural engineers and conservators. However, the need to increase the structural performance of masonry structures is often in contrast with the principles of conservation in terms of reversibility, limited visual impact, compatibility of new materials with masonry. With the aim at striking a balance between structural safety and heritage protection, this paper investigates strengthening stone and brickwork masonry walls using glass-fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) meshes embedded into a coating of lime or cement mortar. An experimental research program was undertaken in the laboratory on large-scale wall panels. Both clay brick and stone work specimens were tested, with and without strengthening. Single-sided and double-sided strengthenings were considered, as it is often not practicable to apply the reinforcement to both sides of a wall. Static tests were carried out on twelve masonry panels, under in-plane diagonal shear loading. The mechanisms by which load was carried were observed, varying from the initial, uncracked state, to the final, fully cracked state. The results demonstrate that a significant increase of the in-plane shear capacity of masonry can be achieved by using the proposed retrofitting technique. The experimental data were used to assess the effectiveness of the strengthening, and a finite element (FE) numerical model is discussed and calibrated against experimental results. The FE model was used to investigate further aspects of the reinforced masonry under shear-loading.
The out-of-plane mechanism (rocking) of walls often causes fatalities and collapses of historic buildings during earthquakes. This paper addresses the problem of assessing the seismic resistance of walls subjected to out-of-plane bending, before and after reinforcement. A new retrofitting method, consisting in the use of high-strength steel cables fully embedded in the mortar bed joints was studied. An experimental investigation using fullscale brickwork specimens was therefore conducted in an attempt to assess the walls' structural response when these are subject to out-of-plane loads. Test results demonstrated that it is possible to increase the out-of-plane capacity with the proposed method. A simplified macro-element procedure is also presented along with recommendations for the calculation of the walls' capacity before and after the application of the steel cable reinforcement. Predictions of the magnitude of horizontal force required to cause out-of-plane failure using the proposed procedure and quasi-static analysis procedures are compared with the results of laboratory experiments.
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