Modeling Out-of-Plane Behavior of URM Walls Retrofitted with Fiber Composites

Although masonry is one of the oldest construction materials, its behavior has not been investigated as extensively as other construction materials. Out-of-plane failures are common in unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings constructed in seismic regions. Seven half-scale brick masonry walls were constructed, externally strengthened with vertical glass-fabric composite strips, and subjected to static cyclic out-of-plane loading. The flexural behavior of the tested specimens is characterized by three main stages corresponding to the first visible bed-joint crack, the first delamination, and the ultimate load. The main parameters being investigated in this study are the amount of composite, the height-to-thickness ratio h/t, the tensile strain in composites, and the mode of failure. Based on the trends observed in the experimental phase, it was concluded that the behavior of the walls is best predicted with a linear elastic approach. It was also concluded that the ultimate strength method overestimates the flexural capacity and the ultimate deflection of the wall. Preliminary design recommendations are also proposed for tensile strain in the composite, maximum deflection, and maximum reinforcement ratio.