Kaheh, Pedram1 and Shrive, Nigel2
1 Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW., Calgary, AB, Canada, pkaheh@ucalgary.ca
2 Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW., Calgary, AB, Canada, ngshrive@ucalgary.ca
ABSTRACT
In seismic zones, strengthening of existing masonry structures that do not comply with new building regulations is a necessity, especially plain masonry structures. The results presented are
part of a comprehensive experimental study, aimed at investigating the effects of bonding Ecofriendly Ductile Cementitious Composite (EDCC) repair material in improving structural behaviour of hollow concrete masonry walls in seismic-prone areas of British Columbia. In this study, four groups of hollow concrete block walls were constructed. Each group consisted of three 1.8 m square specimens built with 390 × 190 × 190 mm (actual size) hollow concrete blocks and Type S mortar. Of the four groups, one group was assigned as the control group, and the remaining three groups were strengthened by applying the EDCC to one of three different thicknesses (5, 10 and 20 mm) on both sides of the walls. The objective was to find the most cost-effective thickness of the EDCC. The structural behaviour of specimens was evaluated through two kinds of tests: in-plane free vibration tests and in-plane quasi-static cyclic loading. The shear capacity, ductility and energy dissipation were evaluated using in-plane quasi-static tests while the dynamic characteristics of the specimens were investigated through in-plane free vibration tests. The vibration tests were carried out on the specimens prior to and after the quasistatic shear loading, in the uncracked and cracked conditions. The results showed the specimens that had the EDCC with a thickness of 5 and 10 mm on both sides performed better than those strengthened with a thickness of 20 mm.
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