Numerical modelling of structural behaviour of URM panels strengthened with cement matrix composites

Abstract

Unreinforced masonry (URM) structures represent a large share of the dwelling stock, traditional industrial buildings and historical heritage of mankind. Most of the URM structures have been built with little or, in some cases, no seismic provisions. In order to overcome this drawback, the application of external reinforcement layers, especially those made of composites, to improve the structural behavior of masonry structures has been a research focus area during the past decades. The aim of this paper is to propose and assess a simplified and accepted Finite Element (FE) modelling strategy to simulate the diagonal compression test of the URM walls strengthened with glass fibre meshes embedded in a cement-based mortar. In the case of masonry walls strengthened with composites reinforced with glass fibre meshes, both the masonry material model and the modelling and the meshing of the composite strengthening system need to be addressed by taking into account the complex phenomena that characterise the bond interaction between the glass fibre mesh, mortar and the masonry support. The FE analyses were developed with reference to the experimental tests available in the current literature and, according to the preliminary outcomes of an experimental program which is currently under development at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Building Services, Iasi.