Mechanical behavior of masonry specimens strengthened by carbon bundles subjected to a splitting test

In this study the results of an experimental campaign that involves masonry specimens subjected to a purposely designed splitting test are presented. The specimens are reinforced in the mortar joints by means of carbon bundles impregnated with a water based resin. Unreinforced specimens are also tested for comparison purposes. Some specimens are characterized by an initial crack obtained artificially by cutting the bricks to highlight the crack arrestor function of the carbon bundles. Results show that the failure mechanism from brittle becomes ductile and a load bearing capacity increment is registered in reinforced specimens.