An experimental study on alternative CFRP retrofitting applications of heritage structures

It is crucial for masonry structures of historical value to increase their seismic performances in order to be protected against earthquakes. The damages to the masonry structures might be attributed to insufficient soil properties, non-conformity with relevant regulations, design and application defects and wear. This study experimentally investigates the strengthening of the masonry structures on one side as historical structural walls can only be strengthened on one side in most cases. In the experimental works conducted within the scope of the study, the brick wall specimens, some of which are pre-damaged, are strengthened on one side using carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRPs) in different forms. Comparisons are made between the change in the load-bearing capacities and behaviours of the specimens following the strengthening. It is determined that the brick wall specimens without reinforcement exhibit brittle behaviour, whereas the performances of the brick wall specimens strengthened with CFRP improve in strength ratings as well as energy dissipation capacities. The improvements in the specimens of the structural brick walls become much more outstanding when the strengthening is applied on the overall surface of the wall in textile form rather than in strip form.