Shear behavior of masonry panels strengthened by high strength steel cords

The present experimental study was aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an alternative shear reinforcement technique, based on the use of high strength steel cords embedded in a cementitious matrix (SRG: Steel Reinforced Grout). Although FRPs are successfully used as shear reinforcement in masonry retrofitting, such a strengthening method represents a new opportunity to restoring ambit, with considerable development in unreinforced masonry (URM) strengthening. Particularly, the non application of epoxy resins may contribute to solve important problems in terms of high temperature and long term behavior, compatibility and reversibility of reinforcement. A series of eight URM panels and 23 strengthened panels manufactured using two different types of mortar have been subjected to diagonal compression tests. Different reinforcement configurations were evaluated. Experimental results pointed out a significant increase in shear strength and stiffness, with interesting implications for the practical utilization of the technique studied. Finally, experimental results are also used to calibrate existing analytical formulations for ultimate shear strength prediction.