In-plane behaviour of unreinforced masonry panel strengthened with welded wire mesh and mortar

About one third of the world population lives in unreinforced masonry (URM) structures, URM is certified as the most vulnerable building during earthquake. Hence there is a necessity to find a suitable economic solution to strengthen the URM structures so that they can resist earthquake load. The present experimental study aims at investigating the behaviour of URM and URM strengthened with welded wire mesh (WWM) as reinforcing material and 1:3 cement : coarse sand mortar. A series of 6 unreinforced masonry (URM) panels and 18 reinforced panels were constructed using two different types of mortar and were subjected to diagonal axial compression tests. Three types of WWM which are locally available in market have been used in this study. Test results show significant increase in strength, ductility, with useful suggestions for practical utilization of this technique.