Diagonal compression tests on masonry panels strengthened by FRP and FRCM

In this paper, results of an experimental campaign on masonry panels strengthened by using fiber reinforced composite materials are presented. Single-leaf masonry walls were reinforced by means of Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) or Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) composites with different kinds of fibers (carbon or glass) and different reinforcement layouts. The specimens were then subjected to diagonal compression test in order to evaluate the shear strength of masonry for unreinforced panels and the effectiveness of the strengthening solutions for the reinforced ones. The results showed a consistent increment in the load bearing capacity of the reinforced panels; moreover, the retrofitted specimens exhibited less brittle failures with respect to the unreinforced ones. The analytical formulation, according to the Italian CNR Guidelines, for the definition of the fibers contribution in terms of shear strength is discussed and compared with the experimental results. Some modification to the original formulation is finally proposed.