A numerical study was conducted to investigate the in-plane behavior of a masonry-infilled reinforced concrete (RC) frame retrofitted with textile-reinforced mortar (TRM). A two-dimensional finite element model was developed using DIANA finite element analysis (FEA) software to simulate the 2 : 3 scaled three-storey masonry-infilled RC frame retrofitted with TRM that was studied experimentally in the past. The three-storey structure used in the test was with a nonseismic design and detailing, and was subjected to in-plane displacement-control cyclic loading. The current study evaluates the capabilities of a representative numerical model to simulate the results of the experimental test, and after the calibration of the numerical model sensitivity analysis and parametric study were performed. In order to create an accurate numerical model, suitable constitutive models, based on the smeared crack approach, were used to characterize the nonlinear response of concrete, masonry infill, and TRM. The calibration of the models was based on the experimental results or inverse fitting based on optimizing the simulation of the response. The numerical model proved capable of simulating the in-plane behavior of the retrofitted masonry-infilled RC frame with good accuracy in terms of initial stiffness, and its deterioration, shear capacity, and cracking patterns. The calibrated model was then used to perform sensitivity analysis in order to examine the influence of infill-frame interface properties (tangential and normal stiffness) on the behavior of the retrofitted infilled frame. The numerical results showed that the gap opening is influenced significantly by the stiffness of the interface. In addition, a parametric study was performed in order to evaluate the importance of the full-bond condition between the TRM and the masonry-infilled RC frame. The numerical results indicate that the composite action between the TRM and the masonry-infilled RC frame improves the global stiffness and lateral resistance of the infilled frame, and it reduces the gap opening between the masonry infill and the RC frame.
Fabric reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composites, also known as textile reinforced mortars (TRM), an inorganic matrix constituting fibre fabrics and cement-based mortar, are becoming a widely used composite material in Europe for upgrading the seismic resistance of existing reinforced concrete (RC) frame buildings. One way of providing seismic resistance upgrading is through the application of the proposed FRCM system on existing masonry infill walls to increase their stiffness and integrity. To examine the effectiveness of this application, the bond characteristics achieved between (a) the matrix and the masonry substrate and (b) the fabric and the matrix need to be determined. A series of experiments including 23 material performance tests, 15 direct tensile tests of dry fabric and composites, and 30 shear bond tests between the matrix and brick masonry, were carried out to investigate the fabric-to-matrix and matrix-to-substrate bond behaviour. In addition, different arrangements of extruded polystyrene (XPS) plates were applied to the FRCM to test the shear bond capacity of this insulation system when used on a large-scale wall.
The objective of this paper is to introduce CyCLOPS, a novel strategic research infrastructure unit, and present its current progress of implementation, and integration in the National geodetic, geophysical and geotechnical infrastructure of the government-controlled areas of the Republic of Cyprus. CyCLOPS is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Republic of Cyprus through the Research and Innovation Foundation under the grant agreement RIF/INFRASTRUCTURES/1216/0050. CyCLOPS is developed via the collaboration of the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and supported by the Cyprus Geological Survey Department and the Department of Lands and Surveys. The main objective of CyCLOPS is to establish an integrated infrastructure for space-based monitoring of geohazards using the most prominent earth observation technologies (EO), such as GNSS and InSAR. Furthermore, the infrastructure will densify and form the backbone for the definition of the next generation national datum of the Republic of Cyprus. Eleven Tier-1/2 state-of-the-art GNSS CORS, precise weather stations, tiltmeters and specifically designed InSAR triangular trihedral corner reflectors will be deployed, in a collocated fashion, at selected locations throughout the government-controlled areas of Cyprus. The collocated configuration will be established and installed to be compliant with the most stringent CORS monumentation specifications, support all current GNSS constellations and SAR missions. Finally, one of CyCLOPS’ fundamental aims is to actively contribute to the on-going efforts and growing demand for more precise positioning services and high-quality modern reference frames, in conformity with the recommendations of the UN-GGIM (and its Subcommittee of Geodesy) to establish and enhance national geodetic infrastructures to support the sustainable management of geospatial information on the changing Earth.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.