In-plane strengthening of masonry infills using TRM technique

Abstract

The seismic vulnerability of masonry infills during seismic actions in southern Europe highlighted their urgent need to be studied deeply. Therefore, the main objects of this research are 1) understanding the in-plane behavior of typical south European infilled frames and 2) Providing strengthening technique based on textile reinforced mortar (TRM) technique. To reach the objectives of this study, seven reduced scale specimens were constructed by simulating the same specimens of south European specimens in 1980's. The effect of different parameters was investigated namely; 1) effect of using low strength infills inside bare frame 2) effect of workmanship 3) effect of strengthening technique Two of them were strengthened by using TRM technique (one were strengthened by using commercial textile mesh and another specimen were strengthened by using the textile meshes that were manufactured in the university. Those specimens were tested under in-plane static cyclic loading to simulate the effect of earthquakes. The loading protocol complies with the guidelines of FEMA 461 [1].