Out-of-plane behavior of unreinforced masonry brick walls strengthened with CFRP strips

In many experimental studies, it is proved that URM brick walls have high strength against lateral forces acting in-plane. However, out-of-plane strength of URM brick wall against lateral forces is quite low. Therefore an experimental study is designed for improving the out-of-plane strength of URM brick walls. Specimens are manufactured by using bricks with high hollow ratios and low compressive strengths and then CFRP materials are used for strengthening. The variables examined in the study are CFRP strip layouts and usage of CFRP anchorages. The performance of strengthening technique is determined by examining strength, stiffness, ductility, energy dissipation capacity and failure modes. ACI 440 Committee report is used for calculation of the capacity of the specimens. The technique of strengthening with CFRP strips increased the strength of the specimens 9 times, ductility ratio 3.5 times; energy dissipation capacity 125 times compared to URM masonry walls.