In-plane retrofitting of masonry structures by using GFRP strips in the bedjoints

Abstract

Many unreinforced masonry structures were vulnerable in the past earthquakes and required retrofitting. The vulnerability of masonry structures could solve by providing numerous retrofitting approaches. However, the lack of appropriate methods, which could provide a solution for historical masonry structures with lesser effects on their façade, is demanding. In this study, two one-third scale masonry wall specimens made by clay bricks were tested under constant vertical and cyclic lateral loading. The specimens consist of an unreinforced wall and a wall retrofitted by GFRP strips. This study investigates the seismic behavior of unreinforced masonry walls before and after using GFRP strips on their bedjoints. To this purpose, various patterns of using GFRP strips have been studied by simplified micro-modeling. The results indicate that the proposed retrofitting technique could improve the lateral strength and stiffness of the unreinforced masonry wall with a considerable increase in the absorbed and dissipated energy and ductility content that changes the wall’s brittle failure to the ductile one. The proposed method could apply to the modern historical structures in which cement mortar has been used as an adhesive between the masonry layers.