Out-of plane behaviour of brick-fill walls reinforced with CFRP strips

The objective of the study was to investigate the out-of-plane behavior of cavity brick walls under out-of-plane loading after being reinforced with CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer) strips. Out-of-plane loading activity in the CFRP anchors and the effects on general behavior were also investigated. Eleven test elements were tested, which consisted of one reference element and ten reinforced elements. Variables examined were the placement configuration of CFRP strips on the surface of brick-fill wall, and whether anchorage was applied or not. CFRP strips exhibited differences in geometry and thickness such as 50 mm, 100 mm and 150 mm. Anchorage was applied considering that CFRP strips would tend to peel off from the surface after a certain amount of unit deformation was exceeded. Test results were discussed and evaluated by taking into consideration the ratio of CFRP strips to total wall surface area, strip width, geometry and anchoring application. Analysis of the experimental data revealed that reinforcement with CFRP strips positively affects out-of-plane behavior of brick-fill walls and that the method is easily applicable. Depending on their bonding geometry and anchorage application, CFRP strips were observed to increase strength, ductility and energy consumption.