Dynamics of frp strengthened unidirectional masonry walls II: Experiments and comparison

Abstract

In this part of the paper, the dynamic out-of-plane behavior of a unidirectional strengthened masonry wall is studied experimentally. The experimental phase focuses on shake-table testing of a full-scale masonry wall strengthened with carbon fiber reinforced composite strips. The tested wall is subjected to different combinations of in-plane compression and out-of-plane excitation. The dynamic behavior of the wall is monitored with emphasis on the global out-of-plane displacements and accelerations as well as on the localized displacements and strains near the mortar joints. The experimental results are also used for the assessment of the finite element model developed in part I of the paper. The experimental results, the numerical analysis, and the comparison between the two throw light on the global and local aspects of the dynamic response. The numerical model allows for further study of local-scale results, which cannot be monitored experimentally. In particular, the dynamics of the shear and peeling stresses at the adhesive layers are examined. The comparison of the experimental results with ones obtained for the same wall before strengthening demonstrate the potential of the method and its impact on the dynamics of the masonry wall. © 2012 by Mathematical Sciences Publishers.