Numerical modelling of structural behaviour of URM panels strengthened with cement matrix composites

Abstract

Unreinforced masonry (URM) structures represent a large share of the dwelling stock, traditional industrial buildings and historical heritage of mankind. Most of the URM structures have been built with little or, in some cases, no seismic provisions. In order to overcome this drawback, the application of external reinforcement layers, especially those made of composites, to improve the structural behavior of masonry structures has been a research focus area during the past decades. The aim of this paper is to propose and assess a simplified and accepted Finite Element (FE) modelling strategy to simulate the diagonal compression test of the URM walls strengthened with glass fibre meshes embedded in a cement-based mortar. In the case of masonry walls strengthened with composites reinforced with glass fibre meshes, both the masonry material model and the modelling and the meshing of the composite strengthening system need to be addressed by taking into account the complex phenomena that characterise the bond interaction between the glass fibre mesh, mortar and the masonry support. The FE analyses were developed with reference to the experimental tests available in the current literature and, according to the preliminary outcomes of an experimental program which is currently under development at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Building Services, Iasi.

Shear Structural Response of a Prototype Strengthening System Designed for Stone Masonry Panels

“…In order to address the above-mentioned structural deficiencies, several strengthening techniques were developed, aiming to confer to the stone masonry constructions a global seismic response consonant to the safety performances indicated by standards. Among these strengthening techniques, the use of inorganic composite systems, generally referred to as textile reinforced mortars (TRMs), has increased over the last decade [4]. As a matter of fact, various acronyms were given by research teams to define the same kind of TRM system: textile reinforced concrete (TRC), fibre reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM), inorganic-matrix grid (IMG), cementitious matrix grid (CMG), composite reinforced mortar (CRM), etc [5].…”

Diagonal Tensile Test on Masonry Panels Strengthened with Textile-Reinforced Mortar

“…Generally, three distinct modelling approaches can be adopted to simulate the structural behavior of a URM wall loaded in shear [54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65]. The first one, referred to as macromodelling, consists in a continuum homogenous element that does not distinguish between the masonry units and mortar or between the individual components of the strengthening system.…”

Structural Response of Bonded Joints between FRP Composite Strips and Steel Plates

“…Compared to the traditional methods used for strengthening, the techniques based on FRP composite materials have remarkable advantages that arise from their superior mechanical characteristics and corrosion resistance properties [7][8][9][10]. The structural efficiency of these methods was analyzed by various research teams by conducting experimental programs based on numerical analysis methods and by adjusting and applying the existent theoretical models specific to the hybrid consolidation solutions [11][12][13][14]. However, the progress in this research area has been achieved mainly through the relatively recent development of FRP composite products that are structurally compatible with steel elements.…”