In-Plane Core Fill Strengthening of Concrete Block Masonry Shear Walls
Abstract
Given the observed poor performance of unreinforced concrete block masonry walls in recent earthquakes, there is significant demand in Canada and internationally for economical methods to improve the seismic performance of such walls. Common retrofit methods such as the application of external fibre reinforced polymer sheets, installation of conventional steel reinforcement or post-tensioning are often expensive, and visually intrusive. The proposed retrofit method involves filling the internal void space of concrete block walls with grout or a similar material that hardens after installation. This approach has been examined in a few studies, but has yet to be studied comprehensively. Herein referred to as core fill strengthening, this method has the potential to be a simple, unobtrusive and cost effective retrofit.
In the current study, two core fill types, steel fibre reinforced grout and two part polyurethanes, have been examined. This was done through tests at a material level, tests of small masonry assemblages and tests on full scale masonry walls. These tests were coupled with finite element analyses of the various core fill materials, and later finite element models of full scale walls. Experimental results were then used to develop equations to predict the strength of core filled walls under in-plane shear failing in flexure, diagonal shear and sliding.
Results indicate that core fill materials can improve both the strength and ductility of masonry walls in diagonal shear and flexure, and that further investigation into both polyurethane and steel fibre reinforced grout retrofits is justified.
Description
Keywords
Engineering--Civil
Citation
Harris, R. T. (2017). In-Plane Core Fill Strengthening of Concrete Block Masonry Shear Walls (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/26544