Out-of-plane loaded CFRP reinforced masonry walls: Mechanical characteristics by homogenization procedures

A model for the analysis of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) reinforced masonry walls – in the case of out-of-plane actions under service loads – is here developed by means of homogenization procedures. According to the approach adopted in a previous paper by the authors for in-plane actions [Composites Science and Technology 64 (13–14) (2004) 2097–2112], two homogenization procedures are discussed in detail: an analytical multi-step and a numerical single-step technique. The advantages of a multi-step approach consist in providing – under the assumption of simplified hypotheses on the strain distribution– explicit formulas for the constitutive function of CFRP reinforced masonry. In this way, a direct identification between a 3D body and a 2D Kirchhoff–Love plate is obtained. On the other hand, the single-step homogenization, based on a FE technique, provides more accurate and reliable 3D homogenized moduli. A critical discussion and the validation of the hypotheses assumed for the two models are presented by means of several comparisons on the homogenized moduli obtained. A final comparison between the two homogenization techniques discussed and a 3D discrete model is reported for the meaningful case of a simply supported plate symmetrically and asymmetrically reinforced.