Marc D. Kuzik¹, Alaa E. Elwi² , J.J. Roger Cheng²

1. Ph.D. Student
2. Professor University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta Canada

ABSTRACT

The research work reported here investigates the out-of-plane flexural behavior of masonry walls reinforced externally with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) sheets and subjected to cyclic loading. Nine full-scale tests were performed in which three parameters were studied. These included the level of compressive axial load, amount of internal steel reinforcement, and amount of externally bonded GFRP sheet reinforcement. Of the three parameters studied, varying the amount of GFRP sheets was the only parameter that significantly affected the behavior of the walls. The GFRP sheet reinforcement governed the linear response of the bending moment versus centerline deflection hysteretic response. Increasing or decreasing the amount of GFRP sheet reinforcement either increased or decreased both the wall stiffness and ultimate strength respectively. Except for visible cracks, the walls maintained their structural integrity throughout the out-of-plane cyclic loading. The unloading/reloading paths for successive loading cycles were similar indicating little degradation. Thus, the general behavior of the walls was very predictable. The system, therefore, could be used to advantageously rehabilitate older older masonry structures that are inadequately reinforced to withstand seismic events.

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