Strengthening URM with GFRP Composites and Ductile Connections

Research on the use of fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) composites for strengthening of unreinforced or inadequately reinforced hollow concrete masonry is covered in this paper. Quasi‐static shear wall tests were conducted on unreinforced concrete masonry specimens that had been strengthened with unidirectional glass fiber strips applied to the surface of the masonry using a two‐part epoxy to form a surface‐bonded GFRP composite. The strips were strategically placed to improve both flexural and shear strength in the in‐plane direction. The GFRP composite system was combined with conventional structural steel and reinforcing steel connections that were designed to yield before the composite ruptured, resulting in a ductile failure mode under cyclic testing. The drift capacities of the tested specimens ranged from 0.6% to 1.7%.