ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: The low tensile strength and high brittleness of masonry structures can lead to collapse in the event of an earthquake. Hence there is a need to improve the mechanical performance and consequently the safety in a great number of buildings in countries where such risks exist. In this paper the applicability of Strain-Hardening Cementbased Composites (SHCC) for strengthening masonry is investigated. Several SHCC compositions suitable for this purpose were developed based on the previous work by the authors. Apart from the high ductility and shear resistance of the hardened material, the optimisation parameters were workability and sprayability of SHCC in the fresh state as well as good adhesiveness to the masonry. In the first step, a series of simple rheological and mechanical tests were performed on fresh and hardened SHCC in order to estimate the major parameter combinations for the main tests. Subjected to advanced testing methods, the material compositions chosen, all containing 1.8% of PVA fibre, were subsequently investigated with regard to their sprayability, changes in their rheological properties over time, and their mechanical performance. Finally, triplet specimens representing a piece of masonry were reinforced with the developed SHCC and tested for shear behaviour. The tests showed that the static load bearing capacity of masonry, as well as the energy absorption capacity increased manifold due to such reinforcement.
