Behavior of FRP Strengthened Infill Walls under In-Plane Seismic Loading

Abstract

The present paper investigates the suitability and effectiveness of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) in strengthening and/or repairing unreinforced masonry infill walls in reinforced concrete frames which are subjected to in-plane seismic/cyclic loading. For this purpose, a detailed experimental program was conducted. Specimen geometry, test setup, instrumentation, and a loading procedure that simulates earthquake loading are presented in a detailed fashion. Results of experimental observations are discussed in the form of load-displacement hysteretic loops and envelopes; column profiles; strain diagrams, and wall shear distortion. The test results, in general, indicate that the use of glass FRP (GFRP) sheets as strengthening materials provides a degree of enhancement to the infill wall, upgrades its deformation capacity, and makes the wall work as one unit. These results thus show great potential for externally bonded GFRP sheets in upgrading and strengthening the infill walls under in-plane seismic loads.