Increase of load-carrying capacity of masonry with textile reinforced rendering

Abstract

Contemporary externally bonded structural upgrading schemes for masonry structures employ Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) systems (a technique that was extended from concrete to masonry structures) and technical textiles (structural fiber grids) embedded in inorganic matrices. The latter account for a multitude of systems depending on the type of grid - fiber material, bundle treatment (dry, coated or even impregnated), grid geometry, manufacturing method, etc.- and matrix- binder (e.g. cement or line), rheology, etc. -resulting in the derivation of many different acronyms (FRCM, TRM, CMG, IMG or other -see for definitions below). The mechanical behaviour of such systems and their interaction with different substrates may vary significantly (e.g. dry vs. impregnated fiber grids embedded in mortars). This oaoer aims to summarize all reported efforts to increase the load carrying and/or deformation capacity of unreinforced masonry walls agains in-plane and second-order phenomena (eccentric compressive loading).