Abstract

This paper aims at investigating the in-plane shear response of FRCM-strengthened masonry walls. To this end, available results of experimental tests are collected, accounting for the masonry substrate made with bricks and mortar joints and several FRCM materials applied with different strengthening configurations. The contribution of the composite material to the masonry wall shear capacity is evaluated. The influence of some geometrical and mechanical parameters on the shear strength of the retrofitted walls is assessed. Available analytical design formulations are implemented to the database and commented.

Abstract

The paper presents a design method for the strengthening of masonry walls with fabric reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM), steel reinforced grout (SRG) and composite reinforced mortar (CRM) systems. They have proved effective for the enhancement of structural capacity and are suitable for seismic retrofitting and for applications to architectural heritage. More recently, significant research efforts have been devoted to the development of testing/certification methods and of design guidelines. For this latter purpose, analytical relationships were developed, which are consistent with Eurocodes, are suitable for engineering practice, and have been incorporated in design guides. Both the bending strengthening under out-of-plane loads and the shear strengthening under in-plane loads are dealt with in the paper. The validation of the resisting models and the calibration of partial coefficients according to the design-by-testing approach are described. Assumptions, limitations and advantages are discussed, to promote the knowledge transfer from the academia to engineering practice and the proper use of FRCM, SRG and CRM for enhancing the safety level of the built environment.