Comparison of the Effectiveness of Superficial Strengthening of Masonry with Two Types of GFRP Reinforcement

The paper presents laboratory test results of the masonry wall surface strengthening made of inexpensive GFRP (Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer) mesh, which is normally used as reinforcement of thin external plastering in thermal insulation systems and GFRP strips dedicated to strengthening of structural elements. The goal was to investigate its influence on the behaviour and mechanical properties of small masonry wallettes made of AAC blocks with thin joints. Three series of masonry specimens were tested: unstrengthen wallettes (as reference elements), walls with superficial strengthening with both sides strengthened with GFRP mesh (for thin external plastering) and wallettes with expensive strengthening on both sides with strips mounted on the surface of the head joint. A total of 18 specimens subjected to diagonal compressive loading were tested (6 in each series). All specimens were subjected to diagonal compressive test according to RILEM LUMB 6 recommendations. The results turned out to be highly promising. An increase of shear capacity of all types of superficially strengthened masonry in comparison to the reference elements was observed. The tests also showed a positive effect of external reinforcement on the type of cracking and failure mode of such walls.