Numerical modelling of FRP-reinforced masonry walls under in-plane seismic loading

•Finite element (FE) models were developed to study BFRP reinforced masonry walls.•The FE models accurately predicted the shear strength and reflect damage progression.•The seismic behaviours of the masonry before and after reinforcement are effectively simulated.•The FE models have the potential to be used in practice.

This paper describes the development of finite element (FE) models for the study of the behaviour of unreinforced and basalt fibre reinforced polymer (BFRP) externally reinforced masonry walls under the action of in-plane seismic loading. Validated against experimental tests, the FE models were used to accurately predict the shear strength and reflect damage progression in multi-leaf masonry walls under in-plane cyclic loading, including the propagation of cracks beneath the BFRP reinforcement. The models have the potential to be used in practice to predict the behaviour and shear capacity of unreinforced and FRP-reinforced masonry walls.