Masonry wall panels with GFRP and steel-cord strengthening subjected to cyclic shear: An experimental study

• We carried out shear tests on 23 masonry panels, before and after reinforcement.
• Panels were reinforced with high strength steel cords and a GFRP mesh.
• Non-reinforced panels underwent shear failure involving only mortar joints.
• Reinforced walls presented enhanced behavior and increased mechanical parameters.
• The use of scaled specimens may be considered representative of the tested masonry.

This paper provides the results of a series of shear tests carried out on wall panels reinforced with two techniques by means of jacketing with GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymers) mesh inserted inside an inorganic matrix and a reinforced repointing of mortar joints using high strength stainless steel cords. The tests were done on panels assembled in the laboratory and were carried out using a widely-known test method (diagonal compression test). Masonry materials include stone and brick in which a variety of unit sizes and forms are produced. Mortar was a hydraulic lime/sand with a plasticiser added to improve workability. The failure loads, in-plane and out-of-plane deflections and failure modes were recorded. Based on the results of the experimental program, it appears that the in-plane shear strength of the reinforced masonry wall systems increased significantly compared with that of control unreinforced masonry panels.