Abstract
Nowadays, innovative materials are more frequently adopted for strengthening historical constructions and masonry structures. The target of these techniques is to improve the structural efficiency with retrofitting methods while having a reduced aesthetical impact. In particular, the use of basalt fiber together with a cementitious matrix emerges as a new technique. This kind of fiber is obtained by basalt rock without other components, and consequently it could be considered a natural material, compatible with masonry. Another innovative technique for strengthening masonry columns consists of applying steel wires in the correspondence of mortar joints. Both techniques have been recently proposed and some aspects of their structural performances are still open. This paper presents the results of an experimental study on the compressive behavior of clay brick masonry columns reinforced either with Basalt Fiber–Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (BFRCM) or with steel wire collaring. Uniaxial compressive tests were performed on eight retrofitted columns and four control specimens until failure. Two masonry grades were considered by varying the mix used for the mortar. Results are presented and discussed in terms of axial stress-strain curves, failure modes and crack patterns of tested specimens. Comparisons with unreinforced columns show the capability of these techniques in increasing ductility with limited strength enhancements.
Highlights
The use of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites as wraps for upgrading existing masonry columns has become increasingly popular in recent years
Carloni et al [10] performed an experimental investigation on the compressive behavior of polyparaphenylene benzobisoxazole (PBO) FRCM–reinforced masonry columns, finding small increments of strength but a noticeable increase of ultimate strain
This paper presents the results of an experimental comparative analysis on the compressive behavior of confined masonry columns reinforced with different techniques
Summary
The use of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites as wraps for upgrading existing masonry columns has become increasingly popular in recent years. Despite the advantages of this method highlighted by this large amount of research works, some drawbacks were spotted when organic resins were used to bind the fibers, such as poor behavior at high temperatures, inapplicability on wet surfaces, high costs and problems of compatibility between materials for long-term effects To solve these problems, different techniques were developed to be used as alternative methods for enhancing the structural performances of poor masonry columns. Carloni et al [10] performed an experimental investigation on the compressive behavior of polyparaphenylene benzobisoxazole (PBO) FRCM–reinforced masonry columns, finding small increments of strength but a noticeable increase of ultimate strain Another alternative method is the application of steel wires in the correspondence of mortar joints, to provide overlapping hoops at every course over the entire height of the column. Results obtained could be useful to clarify the structural performances of these strengthening techniques, which could be efficient and economical alternatives to traditional FRP wrapping
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