Experimental Investigation of Ferrogeopolymer Confinement for Enhancing Brick Masonry Column Resilience under Axial Compression

This study investigates the efficacy of ferrogeopolymer confinement in enhancing the resilience of brick masonry columns under axial compression. Previous research has explored various methods of enhancing masonry column resilience, including surface coatings and reinforcement layers. The novelty of the study lies in the utilization of ferrogeopolymer confinement. Fourteen samples are subjected to testing, each featuring different cross-sections and surface coatings (cement mortar and geopolymer mortar) with varying reinforcement layers (single or double-layer welded steel mesh). Results reveal the presence of brittle cracks influenced by mortar type and welded wire mesh reinforcement. Notably, findings demonstrate that geopolymer mortar and welded mesh contribute to improved compressibility, deformation, and load-bearing capabilities compared to unconfined specimens. Moreover, observed higher ductility ratios indicate a more flexible failure mode, particularly noteworthy for structural resilience. Importantly, the study highlights significant variations in energy absorption, with a notable increase observed with double-layer welded mesh, while geopolymer mortar exhibits superior energy absorption. These findings underscore the potential of ferrogeopolymer confinement as a promising strategy for enhancing the resilience of brick masonry columns, offering valuable insights into structural engineering practices.