Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G7
ABSTRACT
A testing program conducted at the University of Alberta showed that externally applied fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) are effective in increasing the load carrying capacity of unreinforced masonry walls. Ten walls with a height of four meters were used to conduct thirteen tests in two series. Both undamaged and slightly damaged walls were tested. The following testing parameters were investigated: type, amount, and layout of reinforcement, axial load effects, and cyclic behaviour. This paper briefly reviews the existing rehabilitation methods available and explains why the use of FRP is a possible alternative. Results of material tests performed on the masonry and FRP materials are presented. The test setup, instrumentation of the specimens, and general test procedure are described. The general behaviour of the specimens is discussed with emphasis on the load – deflection characteristics and strain distributions. Finally, the modes of failure are identified and categorized. Overall results show that externally applied FRP greatly increases the strength and ductility of ungrouted unreinforced masonry walls.
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