Experimental Assessment of Strengthened Masonry Partitions without Arching Effect under Seismic Out-of-plane Load

In this study, out-of-plane experimental tests are performed on masonry partitions in reinforced concrete frames. The out-of-plane strength of reference as-built specimens with and without arching action is assessed. Then, specimens strengthened with an FRCM or with an FRP are tested in absence of arching effect. The application of composite materials significantly increases the out-of-plane strength. However, a brittle out-of-plane failure of the infill is avoided only if FRCM is applied. The seismic safety of case-study strengthened partitions without arching effect is compared with that of analogous strengthened partitions in which arching action can occur.