EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON OUT-OF-PLANE BEHAVIOUR OF MASONRY WALLS STRENGTHENING WITH CARBON FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER SHEETS

Abstract. In this study, the out-of-plane failure mechanism of medium-sized masonry panels, which is frequently encountered during earthquakes, is discussed. Four of 100 mm x 410 mm x 1200 mm masonry panels were fabricated for the experimental study. Solid brick with dimensions of 50 mm x 100 mm x 200 mm was used in the production of the masonry panels. For mortar, repair mortar was used for ease of production. Three of the test specimens were strengthened with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). The number of strips and the way of applying strips were adopted as test parameters. Panel specimens were tested under the effect of bending, applying three- point loading. During the experiments the measurements of load, displacement and strain were taken. Behaviour of the masonry panels were assessed in terms of ultimate load, the displacement corresponding to the ultimate load, stiffness and energy dissipation capacity. According to the results obtained, it is concluded that the strengthened masonry panels are quite successful against the out-of-plane failure mechanism.