Technique for Strengthening of Masonry Wall Panels Using Steel Strips

An experimental research program was undertaken to ascertain the compressive and shearstrength enhancement of masonry wall panels using steel strips. The study includes eightwall panels, four each for compressive and shear strength evaluation. In each group of four walls, one wall was un-strengthened, the second was single sided coarse steel mesh, the third was double sided coarse steel mesh and the fourth one was single sided fine steel mesh with closely spaced horizontal strips. Separate testing arrangements were made for compressive and shear strength determination. During compression testing only vertical load was applied and for shear strength determination, lateral load with vertical pre-compression was applied. During the test observations were recorded covering all important parameters like stressstrain, vertical load-deflection, lateral load-deflection and behavior of steel strips under vertical and lateral loading. Load carrying mechanisms were observed, varying from the initial, un-cracked state, to the final, fully cracked state. The results demonstrate that a significant increase in compressive and shear strength can be achieved by anchoring steel strips to the surface of masonry walls. It is concluded on the basis of experimental work that the technique / approach is viable for rehabilitation of old deteriorating buildings and strengthening of unreinforcedmasonry structures in seismic zones.