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.