Improvement of Mechanical Properties and Lateral Resistance of Brick Masonry Walls by Using Indigenous Materials

Abstract

In this paper, improvement of mechanical properties of unreinforced masonry walls based on the laboratory test results is discussed. Various masonry specimens have been tested by Portable Structural Testing Equipment (PSTE). Masonry prisms have been reinforced with indigenous materials (wire mesh and bamboo) and confined with reinforced concrete elements. The tensile strength, shear strength and lateral resistance of masonry walls increases up to 5.4, 2.73 and 5.65 times respectively by using plaster, wire mesh, bamboo and confinement. The Indigenous materials used in this research work are cheap and easily available as compared to FRP and other materials. Analysis for lateral resistance of masonry walls has been made by using different relationships.