Reinforced Cement Mortar for Rehabilitation of Damaged Masonry Structures

摘要

This study investigated the use of reinforced cement mortar for rehabilitation of damaged masonry structures showing distress. Intensive experimental testing was carried out on damaged brick masonry columns and pier walls. Reinforced cement mortars were applied in one/two/three layers with wire mesh and masonry was tested extensively. Use of chemical bonding agent between the layers of mortar was investigated too. The control for this testing for comparison were plain masonry columns with customary mortar mix. It was observed that a substantial increase in the ultimate load carrying capacity took place as compared to the control with substantial reduction in strains. Maximum strength improvement of around 146% was observed for single layer application of reinforced cement mortar while with two/three layers of reinforced cement mortars, the increase in strength was around 80-85%. Application of chemical bond between layers of reinforced cement mortar did not appreciably improve the load carrying capacity of the reinforced columns. Failure strains reduced by about 40% with large increase in load carrying capacities. Highly increased load carrying capacities with reduced strains make reinforced cement mortars a sound material for practical use in the field for retrofitting/rehabilitation of dilapidated masonry building structures.