Out-of-plane behavior of masonry walls strengthened with fiber-reinforced materials: a comparative study

Author(s): K.H. Tan, S.S. Hendra, S.P. Chen
Paper category: Workshop
Book title: Fifth International RILEM Workshop on High Performance Fiber Reinforced Cement Composites (HPFRCC5)
Editor(s): H.W. Reinhardt, A.E. Naaman
ISBN: 978-2-35158-046-2
Pages: 419 - 426
Total Pages: 8
Language: English

Abstract: 
The out-of-plane behavior of masonry walls strengthened with an overlay using various fiber-reinforced materials was investigated. A total of 14 wall specimens including an unstrengthened wall, were tested. The strengthening materials were: (a) ferrocement and steel fiber-reinforced ferrocement; (b) steel fiber-reinforced mortar; and (c) hybrid fiber-reinforced mortar. The overlay was applied on the tension face of the walls. All walls were subjected to a uniform patch load applied using an airbag at their center. Test results indicated a substantial increase in ultimate load-carrying capacity and ductility of the walls due to the overlay. In general, a higher percentage of fine wire mesh in the ferrocement overlay gives a higher strength with a correspondingly lower ductility. Adding steel fibers in the ferrocement overlay resulted in higher initial stiffness but lower ductility. For higher total volume fraction of reinforcement, fine wiremesh is preferable over steel fibers. Using mortar overlay reinforced with discrete fibers alone gives smaller increase in both strength and ductility of the walls. The use of continuous steel bars with a combination of both steel and polypropylene fibers in the strengthening overlay gives the most desirable performance in terms of initial stiffness, ultimate strength, ductility and energy absorption capacity.

Online publication: 2014
Publication Type: full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00