An application of different metal connectors developed to improve the shear strength of stone masonry walls

The stone masonry structures used widely in the world are easily broken down because of low shear strength capacity. Plenty of techniques have been developed to increase the shear strength of stone masonry constructions The present experimental study, performed on stone masonry walls strengthened by metal connectors was aimed to investigate the efficiency of an alternative shear reinforcement technique. For this purpose three new metal connector (clamp) types were developed. The shear strength of walls was improved by applying these clamps on stone masonry wall. A total of ten stone masonry walls, each being 650 x 730 x 150 mm in size were structurally tested in induced diagonal compression. Experimentally obtained shear strengths were confirmed by empirical equations. It was suggested that new clams developed at the end of study increased effectively the shear strengths and ductility of masonry constructions.