Experimental analysis of Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) confined masonry columns

Composite materials are getting more and more common for strengthening existing members and structures; Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) materials have been more recently proposed especially for strengthening masonry members. In the present chapter, the results of an experimental campaign carried out on brick masonry walls in different configurations strengthened by this cement-based composite are reported and commented.
Before wrapping all the corner of the specimens were rounded using a grinding machine at a radius of 10 mm.

The specimens were wrapped with one layer of Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM), an high performance fiber structural reinforcement systems. Initially a layer of a stabilized inorganic matrix designed to connect the mesh with the substrate was applied on the surface of each specimen, and then a PBO mesh was applied with the fibers in the hoop direction.

The finishing end of the mesh overlapped the starting end by approximately 100 mm. After the wrapping all the fibers were covered with the same cementitious inorganic matrix used before. Curing of the wrapping took place after curing of the masonry specimens, at least 14 days, and testing started approximately one month after the casting of the walls.

The specimens face need to be prepared for the DIC with a layer of white paint followed by a layer of a light drops of black paint.
Displacements of the central section on each specimen were measured using also a Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT) on the left side of the columns attached to the wrapping surface.