The use of shotcrete method in strengthening of the existing masonry structures against earthquake forces

In this study, the strengthening of masonry structures is examined by using the shotcrete technique. First of all, the definition of masonry buildings, the reasons for why masonry structures are preferred and the reasons for why masonry construction is still continued are given. A broad literature survey according to the strengthening techniques utilized in masonry structures is supplied. Then, the response of masonry structure under horizontal earthquake loading is explained and the possible damage scenarios are discussed. The construction materials employed in masonry structures and their mechanical properties are defined. In the section forming the basis of the study, an example masonry structure is selected and its behavior under earthquake loads is determined. SAP2000 commercial software is utilized as the structural analysis program. The load carrying masonry walls are modelled as shell elements in the program. The openings due to windows and doors are defined at necessary locations of the shell elements. In addition to dead loads of wall elements, other superimposed dead loads and live loads are described and imposed on the floor slabs. The response spectrum method is used as the earthquake analysis method. After the analyses, it is understood that the selected building does not have enough capacity againist to earthquake forces. After that, five different solution methods were created then those methods were compared. The analyses made after the strengthening procedure showed that some of the solution regarded necessary lateral capacity while some of them are not.