Structural evaluation of masonry walls with double-sided CFRP reinforcement through diagonal compression tests

Abstract

Possible damages in masonry structures due to aging, settlement, movement, or earthquake effects can be repaired/reinforced with minimum intervention. In this study, the effect of CFRP composites, which can be applied in this sense, on structural strengthening was investigated with experiments performed on 3 different series. In the study, firstly, model brick wall specimens were produced with bricks cut from standard bricks (19x9x5 cm) in miniature brick sizes (9.5x4.5 × 2.5 cm) and these specimens exposed to loading and damaged. Thus, the characteristics of the reference wall were determined. Following the initial damage, the cracks in the specimens were repaired using epoxy. Subsequently, three different CFRP configurations -strip, split strip, and fabric-were applied to both sides of the wall specimens, which were divided into three groups. After reinforcement, the testing phase was initiated. To simulate possible horizontal and vertical loads, a diagonal compressive force was applied to the specimens with the horizontal joints at an 45° angle to the load axis. The strengths, deformations, and failure mechanisms of the model masonry walls subjected to diagonal compressive loading were recorded, and the effect of CFRP reinforcement on masonry walls under compressive and tensile loads was investigated using experimental data. Compared to the reference walls, an increase in strength by 180–327 %, displacement capacity by 229–359 %, and shear strength by 186–306 % was observed in the CFRP-strengthened specimens.