Experiments On Seismic Retrofitting Of In-planeLoaded Masonry Walls With Fibre Composites

Experimental investigations on the seismic retrofitting of in-plane loaded masonry by surface-applied fibre reinforced composites were performed. Preliminary small sample tests were carried out in order to test the mechanical suitability of various fibre composites under typical load states in shear stressed masonry. Afterwards suitable materials were tested on pre-damaged load-bearing walls. In all five full-scale tests earthquake loading was simulated by the pseudodynamic test method. Significant improvements of the wall’s structural behaviour with regard to loading capacity, fracture process and cyclic performance could be achieved by the applied retrofitting measures. Particularly the results of a new cementitious matrix which is free of epoxy-typical disadvantages were convincing.