Main Article Content
Abstract
A large number of masonry structures exist all over the world. These structures need strengthening due to many reasons such as lack of strength, stiffness, ductility and durability. Generally the old structures are not designed for earthquake loads, and hence many such important structures have suffered during the past earthquakes all over the world. Along with loss of human lives and socio-economic problems, damages and collapse of historically important structures take place due to earthquake. Apart from earthquake requirements, buildings need strengthening due to modifications done in existing structure or change in use of the building. Deterioration of material strength on aging is another significant reason for need of strengthening or retrofitting. There are various methods for strengthening of Masonry Structures among which the use of FRP has received increased attention due to the advantages of FRP, mainly lower specific weight, resistance to corrosion, ease of application and cost effectiveness. One of the important features of FRP that makes it suitable for Masonry is its adaptability to curved and rough surfaces. The use of FRP material for strengthening of reinforced concrete material is well established. As compared to concrete less work has been done on masonry. A large number of masonry structures including historic monuments are required to be strengthened or retrofitted in India and FRP can be a better option; however research work is required in this context. Effectiveness of FRP wrapping to masonry structural elements to enhance the performance, is required to be assessed experimentally. The present work focuses on the experimental investigations of FRP wrapped masonry load bearing members. The experimental program consists of testing on FRP strengthened masonry columns and FRP retrofitted masonry walls. The enhancement in load carrying capacity of masonry columns due to confinement by FRP strips has been found. An ‘Advanced Composite Fiber Wrap System’ with combination of vertical and horizontal FRP strips has been proposed. Behaviour of un-strengthened and FRP strengthened masonry columns subjected to uniaxial compression has been studied. The contribution of FRP anchors in enhancement of load carrying capacity has been quantified. In the next phase six masonry walls have been tested.