E. Shaheen¹ and N.G. Shrive²

1. Post-doctoral Fellow, Dept of Civil Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, eshaheen@ucalgary.ca
2. Killam Professor, Dept of Civil Engineering, University of Calgary, shrive@ucalgary.ca

ABSTRACT

Strengthening masonry columns by spraying them with glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) was investigated experimentally. The study was aimed at assessing the strength and strain increases imparted by the technique. Plain and reinforced columns were tested. Twenty-four columns were constructed with Type S mortar and straight and bull nose masonry units. The columns were one meter high and either 290 mm x 290 mm or 390 mm x 390 mm in crosssection. Two thicknesses of GFRP were attempted, but it was found to be difficult to maintain uniform thickness. Nevertheless, minor increase in strength and large increase in strain were achieved with both the plain and the reinforced columns under concentric axial compression.

KEYWORDS: columns, strengthening, GFRP, spray, compression, concentric loading

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