Experimental In-Plane Shear Performance of Masonry Infill Walls Assembled with Cementitious Matrix–Grid Composites

Abstract

This paper presents a study on strengthening infill walls using composite materials to enhance shear capacity. The cementitious matrix-grid (CMG) material was employed for this purpose. Various configurations of the CMG, including single or double layers, applied to one or both sides of the wall, with or without anchorage, were tested. The study consisted of two stages. Initially, the mechanical properties of the bricks, mortar, and CMG mortar were determined using twenty-seven specimens. In the second stage, ten specimens, divided into five groups with one group left unstrengthened, underwent shear tests. Shear strength and shear strain relationships were determined for each specimen. Comparative analysis between strengthened and unstrengthened specimens revealed the effectiveness of the strengthening technique. The strengthened specimens exhibited superior structural performance compared to the control specimens. Specifically, the average maximum shear strength of all strengthened specimens surpassed that of the controls. Moreover, double-layer strengthening notably improved ductility. The findings suggest that applying a double layer of CMG to both sides of the wall with anchorage is the most effective method for strengthening. CMG composites significantly enhance the shear strength of infill walls and promote ductile failure. The comparisons of different strengthening combinations can contribute significantly to the existing literature and the construction sector by offering retrofitting options that can be tailored to address various economic and temporal, as well as target strengthening considerations.