Cyclic shear test and finite element analysis of TRC-reinforced damaged confined masonry walls

Abstract

Due to the low level of seismic fortification during construction, masonry walls are highly vulnerable to earthquakes, but some walls remain in service after repair. To investigate the strengthening effect of textile-reinforced concrete (TRC) on the seismic performance of seismically damaged confined masonry (CM) walls, tests were conducted on four masonry walls, and a finite element model was established for parametric analysis. A TRC facing improves the overall performance of the wall and increases the ductility of the wall. TRC reinforcement technology increases the peak load of CM walls by 19.9%-21.7%, the ductility factor by 42.1%-52.8%, and the cumulative energy dissipation by 95%-118%. The more severe the damage to the wall is, the less effective the strengthening effect of the TRC reinforcement. As the number of layers of textile increases, the load-bearing capacity, deformation capacity and energy dissipation capacity of the walls increase. When the vertical compressive stress increases, the increase in the shear bearing capacity and energy dissipation of walls due to the TRC facings first decreases and then increases. Moreover, TRC facings have limited effectiveness in reinforcing walls with high aspect ratios and high mortar strengths.