Deformation compatibility of masonry and composite materials

Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) are commonly used nowadays for strengthening deteriorated structures. The purpose of this research was to determine the combined behavior of masonry walls and reinforcing meshes together, according to their deformation characteristics. A sample wall with average masonry parameters and seven different common polymer nets on them were modeled in Abaqus Software. Moreover, a case study wall was also modeled according to the strength values obtained from direct testing of a demolished masonry wall that was shaped as secondary blocks for reusing purposes. In addition to the analysis of this plain recovered wall, the strengthened version of it with carbon fiber polymer mesh was also modeled. The results obtained from the theoretical sample wall and the case study wall with plain and reinforced alternatives stated that; the compatibility of deformation characteristics between the wall and the reinforcing mesh is the key for combined strength behavior of the wall. Lastly, besides illustrating and discussing all the stress-strain conditions for the analyzed cases, this study also offered a formula for the detection of combined behavior in question, according to the material properties of unreinforced wall and reinforcing mesh separately. This formula is quite useful in order to decide to the suitable mesh type prior to the application.