Near-surface Mounted Frp Rods for Masonry Strengthening: Bond and Flexural Testing

In unreinforced masonry walls, failure due to out -of-plane bending causes the majority of the material damages and loss of human life. Therefore, the development of effective strengthening techniques needs to be addressed. Near-surface mounted (NSM) FRP rods are now emerging as a promising technique for increasing flexural and shear strength of structural members. The aim of this research program was a first evaluation of the effectiveness of NSM FRP rods as a strengthening system for masonry elements subjected to out-of-plane loads. A first series of tests focused on the bond behavior of NSM rods embedded in concrete masonry units (CMU). Successively, three flexural tests were performed on CMU walls. Test results are of encouragement to further investigate the potential of FRP rods in the field of strengthening and retrofitting infill and load-bearing walls. De Lorenzis, L., D. Tinazzi, A. Nanni, A., “Near Surface Mounted FRP Rods for Masonry Strengthening: Bond and Flexural Testing,” Symposium, “Meccanica delle Strutture in Muratura Rinforzate con FRP Materials,” Venezia, Italy, December 7-8, 2000.