Out-of-Plane Bending of URM Walls Strengthened with FRP Strips –Modeling and Analysis

Synopsis: The modeling and analysis of un-reinforced masonry walls strengthened with externally bonded unidirectional composite laminates and subjected to out-ofplane loading is investigated. The model is based on variational principles, static equilibrium, and compatibility between the structural components, which include the masonry units (blocks), the mortar joints, the FRP strips, and the adhesive layers. The modeling of the masonry block and the mortar joints follows the small displacements and the Bernoulli-Euler beam theories. The strengthening FRP strips are modeled following the lamination theory and the adhesive layers are modeled as two dimensional linear elastic continuum. The effects of cracking of the mortar joints and the debonding of the composite laminates near the mortar joints are also considered. A numerical example is presented. The numerical results quantitatively describe some of the phenomena that govern the behavior of the strengthened wall and may lead to its failure. A summary and conclusions close the paper.