ABSTRACT
The out-of-plane vulnerability of masonry walls is one of the main causes of earthquake induced damage for both masonry buildings and reinforced concrete infilled frame structures. The vulnerability of masonry walls under out-of-plane loads is one of the main causes of earthquake induced damage. In masonry structures, the façade may separate from transverse walls and overturn or fail by bending. Mortar-based composites have been proposed, which make use of carbon, glass, steel, basalt, synthetic and natural fabrics embedded into inorganic matrices. Most of the experimental investigations on the out-of-plane reinforcement of masonry walls with mortar-based composites consist of either three- or four-point bending tests, carried out on medium-scale wall specimens. A number of strengthening solutions have been developed, such as metallic tie-bars, timber ties, and, more recently, reinforced concrete bond beams. Optimized strengthening solutions need to be identified to ensure both effectiveness and cost efficiency, based on expected collapse mechanisms.
