Abstract
Unreinforced masonry structures are vulnerable to seismic action, especially with window openings. Therefore, a strengthening technique needs to be proposed to improve the seismic performance of the confined masonry walls with window openings. In this study, hybrid fibers modified reactive powder concrete (HFMRPC) with good composite action to masonry walls were obtained through material tests. Then, the HFMRPC material was used as a coating to strengthen or repair the confined masonry walls with window openings by single-sided full coverage, double-sided full coverage, single-sided coverage in piers, and double-sided coverage in piers. To investigate the effect of HFMRPC coating on strengthening or repairing the confined masonry walls with window openings. Seven half-scale masonry walls were tested under in-plane quasi-static horizontal loading. The results indicated that the retrofitting technology using HFMRPC coating could effectively enhance the load-bearing capacity, energy dissipation capacity of the strengthened and repaired masonry walls and delay their stiffness degradation. Among the above-mentioned strengthening methods, the strengthening in piers significantly enhanced the ductility and energy dissipation of the specimens, and the double-sided full coverage enhanced the load-bearing capacity and stiffness of the specimens. Finally, a simplified analysis method was proposed to calculate the shear bearing capacity of the strengthened or repaired confined masonry walls with window openings based on theoretical analysis and test results.
Highlights
As one of the primary structural forms with a long history, masonry structure is widely used in mainland China
The specimens SRMW-2, DRMW-3, and DRMW-4 had severe cracking in the coating along the diagonal direction from the window corner, and the constructional columns were penetrated by the through-length shear cracks, which led to a sudden decline in the bearing capacity of the specimens
The reinforcement method in piers enabled a full function of the spandrels and improved the deformation capacity of the specimens, which led to a slight decrease of the bearing capacity until the ductile failure occurred
Summary
As one of the primary structural forms with a long history, masonry structure is widely used in mainland China. Two major earthquakes, i.e., Wenchuan Earthquake in 2008 and Yushu Earthquake in 2010, happened in mainland China. Due to the various anisotropy and brittleness of brick, existing masonry structures have a greater vulnerability in earthquakes and are severely damaged under strong earthquake effects (Tai et al, 2011). Hybrid-Fiber Modified Reactive Powder Concrete opening can seriously weaken the shear bearing capacity, ductility, and initial stiffness, which changes the failure pattern of masonry walls (Shariq et al, 2008). Masonry walls with window openings were severely damaged under earthquakes. An effective strengthening technique is needed to improve the seismic performance of masonry structures, especially for those with window openings
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
