Experimental investigation of out-of-plane behaviour of unreinforced masonry panels strengthened with TRM

This study addresses the out-of-plane collapse mechanism occurring in medium-sized masonry panels frequently encountered during earthquakes. First of all, a total of nineteen masonry panels with dimensions of 100 mm x 410 mm x 1200 mm were produced. In the production of the masonry panels, solid brick unit with dimensions of 50 mm x 100 mm x 200 mm, and high strength repair mortar were used. Eighteen specimens were strengthened with textile-reinforced mortar (TRM), and one was selected as an unstrengthened reference specimen. Type of textile material (basalt, glass, and carbon), number of strips (1, 2, and full wrap), and anchorage effect were selected as variables. The specimens were subjected to a statically bending three-point test at a constant loading rate. Load and displacement measurements were taken at the instant of the experiment. Employing these data, ultimate load-carrying capacity, displacement at the ultimate load, and stiffness values were obtained accordingly. Additionally, the energy dissipation capacity values of the specimens were also calculated. From the main findings of this study, it has been revealed that strengthening masonry panels with textile-reinforced mortar is efficacious against the out-of-plane collapse mechanism.