In-plane retrofitting of masonry panels with fibre reinforced composite materials

Research activities carried out during the past years concerning the use of fibre reinforced polymers (FRP) as external reinforcement of masonry walls have shown that this system considerably improves structural stability and ductility with minimum increase in the load transmitted to foundations. However, different aspects of this retrofitting system should still be analyzed.The mechanical behaviour under in-plane compression and diagonal compression of clay masonry panels reinforced or repaired with carbon fibre reinforced polymer laminates is experimentally assessed in this paper. The results show that if correct retrofitting schemes are chosen, reinforcement and repairing with fibre reinforced polymers improves masonry behaviour, increasing ductility and, in some cases, ultimate strength and even stiffness. In this way, brittle behaviour and sudden failure of unreinforced masonry can be avoided.

Research highlights
► With a correct layout FRP reinforcement improves masonry behaviour.
► Increases ductility and, in some cases, ultimate strength and even stiffness.
► Brittle behaviour and sudden failure of unreinforced masonry can be avoided.
► A way to obtain optimum length of the reinforcing bands is described.
► A minimum band length is proposed.