Compressive Behavior of Brick Masonry Columns Confined with Steel-Reinforced Grout Jackets

In this study, a new type of composite comprised of steel cords embedded in a mortar matrix - referred to as steel-reinforced grout (SRG) - is explored for use in the confinement of masonry columns. This paper presents the results of an experimental study carried out to understand the behavior of solid clay brick masonry columns confined by single-layer SRG jackets. Thirty-one confined and three unconfined columns with a square cross-section were tested to failure under a monotonic concentric compressive load. Test parameters considered were the SRG matrix type, column corner condition, and steel cord sheet density (i.e., steel cord spacing) in the SRG jacket. SRG confinement improved the compressive strength, ultimate strain, and energy absorption of masonry columns relative to the unconfined condition. Models from the literature for FRP-confined masonry were examined for their applicability to predict the strength increase from the SRG jacket, with certain models predicting the confined compressive strength within 9% of the test values.