Author

MAHJOOB FARSHCHI, D. and MAREFAT, M. S.
University of Tehran, School of Civil Engineering, Iran
MOTAVALLI, M.
EMPA, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research, Structural Engineering Research Laboratory and also University of Tehran, School of Civil Engineering
SCHUMACHER, A.
Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research, Structural Engineering Research Laboratory

Abstract

In this paper, a micro non-linear model previously proposed by the authors which is capable in predicting the cracking, crushing, and sliding phenomena, as well as the global-orthotropic behaviour of the plain masonry walls is applied to investigate the effects of brick size and mechanical properties of mortar on the in-plane behavior of them. The model shows that varying the size of brick units by up to 50% almost does not influence strength and ductility of the wall but can have a significant effect on the local behavior. It also shows that reduction in quality of mortar causes sliding to govern failure at ultimate state. Using the model seismic vulnerability of an existing masonry building is then assessed as a case study. The results of structural analyses show that the vertical post-tensioning system as an advance seismic retrofitting method is more efficient for this building rather than application of XShape carbon fiber reinforcement polymer (CFRP) strips.

Key words
Plain masonry walls, In-plane behavior, Brick size, Mortar, CFRP