Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Ph.D. candidate, Department of Civil Engineering, Mah.c., Islamic Azad University, Mahabad, Iran
2
Associate Professor, Faculty of Engineering, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
3
Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Mah.c., Islamic Azad University, Mahabad, Iran
4
Professor, Faculty of Engineering, Mah. C, Islamic Azad University, Mahabad, Iran
10.22065/jsce.2025.526315.3749
Abstract
Masonry structures are among the most common systems in civil engineering, and in recent years, their retrofitting using modern techniques has received significant attention. This study investigated the out-of-plane performance of infill masonry walls constructed with autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks. Two strengthening methods were evaluated: vertical steel Frame and geogrid layers. For this purpose, four wall specimens with a span length of 3 meters, a height of 2.65 meters, and a thickness of 20 cm were constructed. The first wall was a control specimen, while the remaining three were strengthened using different techniques. In the second specimen, steel angle profiles were installed at the corners of the wall. In the third and fourth specimens, 55 cm wide geogrid strips were applied at both ends of the wall span. In the fourth specimen, steel straps were used to connect the AAC blocks along horizontal courses. Out-of-plane cyclic loading was applied at the top and mid-span of each wall, and the crack propagation patterns and load-displacement responses were recorded. Micro-modeling was conducted in ABAQUS to assess each strengthening technique's effectiveness numerically. The results showed that vertical steel ties increased the out-of-plane strength up to four times and significantly improved energy dissipation. In contrast, geogrid layers mainly enhanced ductility and energy absorption, with a relatively minor effect on strength.
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