Uni-axial Compressive Tests on Masonry Columns Confined by FRP and FRCM

Many old masonry buildings, particularly in seismic regions without any provision for earthquake loading, are particularly vulnerable. This makes brick masonry structures unsafe and requires economical, safe and fast refurbishment measures. Traditional techniques, that were largely used and investigated in the past, may be inadequate in seismic areas where the added mass could generate a significant extra weight that induce an increase of the seismic actions. Moreover, when it is necessary to preserve the historical value of architectural heritage, the reversibility, compatibility and sustainability of the intervention could become critical for the selection of the most appropriate strengthening technique. Several investigations have shown that the use of Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) materials on masonry structures can be effective for different purposes. On the other hand, few studies on masonry columns confined with Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) are available in literature. In the present paper an experimental campaign devoted to analyse the effectiveness of different reinforcement typologies on square masonry columns built with clay bricks and cementitious mortar, in particular FRP and FRCM, will be reported. Two different configurations of the reinforcing system will be investigated: carbon or glass fibers, with organic or inorganic matrix, applied as external reinforcement along the perimeter of the masonry columns in the form of continuous and discontinuous wrap. The specimens were subjected to uni-axial compressive test until failure. The obtained experimental results showed an increment in the load bearing capacity of reinforced columns.