Experimental investigation of engineered cementitious composites (ECC) retrofitted masonry structures

摘要

Earthquake has proven the most damaging natural hazard in the world. So, structures in the earthquake-prone areas are need to be retrofitted prior and post of the calamity. It has been observed that most of the research solutions available focus upon reinforced concrete and steel constructions. Engineered cementitious composites (ECC) developed for economical utilization of fibres in retrofitting of masonry structures have been focused herein. The performance of beam-like masonry specimens subjected to their out-of-plane forces are experimentally and numerically investigated in this paper. Twelve beam-like specimens were cast and retrofitted with polyvinyl alcohol engineered cementitious composites (PVAECC) for the purpose. The casting of the retrofitting layer was done by varying percentages of PVA fibres that are 1%, 1.5% and 2% addition by the total volume of mortar. The performance of out-of-plane direction is investigated trough static two-point loading. The specimens were tested at a constant load increment of 0.1 mm per second. Work was conducted to simulate the ultimate cracking loads, maximum tension/deflection and load to deflection relationships of retrofitted and non-retrofitted specimens. Preliminary experimental data were used for numerically modelling the specimens in finite element package. Numerical results for deflection and strength were finally compared with experimental results. Experimental results revealed that the maximum load-carrying capacity with retrofitted samples increased by 11.8, 10.15 and 11.13% for 1%, 1.5% and 2% fibre addition, respectively. Simultaneously, deflection before complete collapse increases 5, 8 and 10% for 1%, 1.5% and 2% fibre additions. It can be finally said that utilization PVA-ECC as retrofitting material is an economical and easy method available.