Analysis of FRCM and CRM parameters for the in-plane shear strengthening of different URM types

Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Matrix and Composite Reinforced Mortar, are amongst relatively new type of inorganic composites. Several precedent research programs have investigated the effectiveness of inorganic composite materials to enhance in-plane shear capacity of unreinforced masonry (URM) walls. A database consisting of 406 diagonal compression test results was prepared using experimental results reported in literature with the aim of investigating the role of strengthening parameters on the effectiveness of solutions for enhancing the in-plane shear capacity of masonry panels. The experimental results were analysed for different masonry typologies and effects of masonry texture, mesh reinforcement, matrix properties and strengthening configurations were investigated to provide useful indication for the design of such systems. Furthermore, the accuracy of current design equations for FRCM was evaluated based on experimental data. Shear stress amplification factors were also proposed. The results showed that both the axial stiffness of mesh reinforcement and the mechanical properties of the matrix affected the shear capacity of strengthened panels. Furthermore, based on obtained results, topics for future research are also recommended.