Article Published In Vol.1 (Nov-Dec-2013)

Optimization of Retrofitting Schemes of Clay Brick Masonry with Openings

Author : Nasser, A.A

Walls usually have openings used as windows. Potential damage of unreinforced masonry (URM) facing lateral loads is a human life threat. The effect and optimization of retrofitting Masonry Walls with openings was investigated by using Taguchi method. Two experimental schemes were conducted using Glass Fiber Reinforcing laminates and fibers reinforcing mortar to study the weight of each retrofitting scheme. The control factors are Glass Fiber laminates orientation (A) and fibers addition percentage as mortar reinforcement (B). Experiment was designed to build an Orthogonal Array (OA-L9). Nine walls were constructed and tested under compressive loading. The data was analyzed; longitudinal GFRP laminates and 1.2% fibers wall has highest Cracking load. Analysis of Variance of experimented walls showed high contribution of fibers addition (56.05%) compared with GFRP laminates (28.27%) for Cracking Load. Diagonal GFRP laminates and 1.2% fibers wall has highest Ultimate load. Analysis of Variance of experimented walls showed fibers addition contribution of (55.15%) compared with GFRP laminates (29.7%) for Ultimate Load. Both retrofitting scheme are effective for masonry walls with openings. Fibers reinforcing mortar is preferred for early stages of loading. GFRP laminates orientation scheme enhances the masonry strength until failure. Both schemes helped to have a safe failure mode.

Keywords: Brick masonry, Tagushi Method, Analysis of Variance, Compressive strength, Masonry Wall, Rehabilitation, Openings, GFRP, Fibers.