Masonry columns confined by composite materials: Experimental investigation

This study wants to analyze the effectiveness of different reinforcement typologies for masonry columns, in particular Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) and FRCM. The behavior of 10 solid – brick columns that are externally wrapped by FRP sheets and 2 unreinforced columns are presented in this study. The specimens are subjected to axial load until failure occurs. Three different confinement schemes were experimentally analyzed in order to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of the proposed strengthening techniques: 1) Grid carbon FRP (CFRP_G); 2) Grid glass FRP (GFRP_G); 3) Uniaxial carbon FRP (CFRP_U). Two different configurations of the reinforcing system were investigated: FRP sheets are applied as external reinforcement along the perimeter of the masonry columns in the form of continuous and discontinuous wrap, respectively. The results, compared with those for un-reinforced columns, indicate an increases in ultimate load, stiffness and ductility.