Local strengthening of Masonry In-Plane loaded Walls with Fibre-Reinforced-Polymeres (FRP)

The results of this research are published in "kassel university press" under the title "Experimentell theoretische Untersuchungen zum Klebeverbund zwischen Mauerwerk und Faserverbundwerkstoffen"

During the last decades many research activities were carried out on post-strengthening of masonry walls. A considerable part of it focused on the lateral resistance and the ductility, especially for eathquake impacts.

In this context, Fibre-Reinforced-Polymeres (FRP) were applied on the wall covering the whole surface or like strips. In most cases the ends of the FRP’s are connected with concrete members like foundation beams or structural floor panels. But it could already be shown, that FRP’s can also be used for local post-strengthening. This might be of importance, for example, if additional cut-outs are planed or in cases of concentrated loads. Therefore basic experimental investigations were carried out and a new model for calculation of post-strengthened masonry walls will be developed. The model consists of three steps. In the first level stresses of the masonry and the FRP material are calculated. On the second level anchoring of the FRP’s has to be ensured. At least it is neccesary to understand the bond characteristics for different masonry stones, fibre materials and adhesives. The model will be backed up by experimental investigations on masonry specimens and by full scale testing of masonry walls. There will be used clay stones, sand-lime bricks, sandstones, two different types of epoxy resin as adhesives and three different types of glass fiber sheets.

Funding by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), (SE 741/8)

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Werner Seim