Investigation of seismic performance of in-plane aligned masonry panels strengthened with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer

Abstract

Masonry structures are economical, easy to construct and has important advantages such as the use of natural materials. In Turkey, these structures have been heavily built especially with traditional construction methods and nowadays they are popular as well. Therefore, the reinforcement of masonry structures and seismic safety are of paramount importance. Masonry walls are not naturally stable and cannot be considered as homogeneous structures so it is difficult to predict their behavior under load by using numerical methods. Supportive framework of the mathematical model and the data of the experimental studies are required. In this study, 36 wall blocks were prepared in 900 × 900 × 200 mm using hollow masonry brick, blend brick and aerated concrete and these blocks are reinforced with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer in both directions by using three different methods. For the analysis of retrofit brick walls produced and reinforced with different materials, ASTM E591 test method was used. At the end of the experiment period; shear strength performances of the reinforcement methods of the elements, their deformation and energy dissipation capacities were evaluated. According to results, maximum shear strength performance was observed at the masonry panel strengthened by two face. Maximum load value was 172.63 Kn. Also maximum dissipation capacity was observed at the masonry wall reinforced with CFRP covered diagonally. Maximum energy dissipation capacity was 317.1 J.