Modeling Out-of-Plane Behavior of URM Walls Retrofitted with Fiber Composites

Abstract

Although masonry is one of the oldest construction materials, its behavior has not been investigated as extensively as other construction materials. Out-of-plane failures are common in unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings constructed in seismic regions. Seven half-scale brick masonry walls were constructed, externally strengthened with vertical glass-fabric composite strips, and subjected to static cyclic out-of-plane loading. The flexural behavior of the tested specimens is characterized by three main stages corresponding to the first visible bed-joint crack, the first delamination, and the ultimate load. The main parameters being investigated in this study are the amount of composite, the height-to-thickness ratio