Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering

Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering

Investigation of out-of-plane behavior of non-bearing masonry walls reinforced with cement matrix and fiber

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 M.Sc.in Civil Engineering – Structure, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
2 PhD Student in Civil Engineering –Structure, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
3 Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Arak University, Iran
Abstract
Infill masonry walls, commonly used as non-structural components in buildings, are highly vulnerable to out-of-plane forces induced by earthquakes. Traditional retrofitting methods, such as the use of steel walers, often face challenges including implementation difficulties, increased structural weight, and architectural incompatibility. This study investigates the out-of-plane seismic performance of non-structural masonry walls using two novel reinforcement techniques: external vertical mesh reinforcement and bed-joint reinforcement with carbon fiber fabrics (FRCM systems). To this end, nine half-scale wall specimens were constructed in three groups control, externally reinforced, and bed-joint reinforced—and tested under cyclic out-of-plane loading using a hydraulic actuator. Evaluated parameters included flexural capacity, initial stiffness, ductility, and response modification factor. Experimental results showed that external vertical mesh reinforcement led to approximately a 302% increase in flexural capacity, while the bed-joint reinforcement method resulted in a 195% improvement compared to the control group. Initial stiffness increased by about 700% and 200% respectively for the two methods, along with notable improvements in ductility and energy dissipation capacity. The comparable seismic performance of the two techniques highlights the practical advantages and reduced technical constraints of the bed-joint method. Overall, the findings suggest that FRCM systems particularly the bed-joint approach offer an effective, lightweight, and practical solution for seismic retrofitting of non-structural masonry walls without adding significant weight or construction complexity.
Keywords

Subjects


[1] Gencturk, B., Sezen, H., Mieler, M., Griffith, M., Gudhka, P., & Garai, R. (2025). Vulnerability assessment of buildings in the aftermath of 2023 Turkiye earthquake sequence. Earthquake Spectra41(2), 1616-1641.
[2] Bratu, C., Šokić, D., Ademović, N., Isik, E., Bulajić, B., Radu, D., & Hadzima-Nyarko, M. (2025). Assessment of Masonry-Infilled Steel Frames Using Existing Experimental Tests Database in Comparison to Standards. Buildings15(2), 190.
[3] Onat, Ö., & Evci, P. U. (2024). A parametric study in reinforced concrete frames with different infill wall materials. Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering22(9), 4447-4476.
[4] de Felice, G., Carloni, C., Nanni, A., Aldea, C. M., Banthia, N., Bentz, D. P., ... & Triantafillou Maria Rosa Valluzzi, A. P. T. C. (2020). Guide to Design and Construction of Externally Bonded Fabric-Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) and Steel-Reinforced Grout (SRG) Systems for Repair and Strengthening Masonry Structures. In ACI 549.6 R-20 (pp. 1-159). American Concrete Institute.
[5] Thomoglou, A. K., Jagadesh, P., & Voutetaki, M. E. (2023). Review of out-of-plane strengthening techniques of unreinforced masonry walls. Fibers11(9), 78.
[6] Hojdys, Ł., & Krajewski, P. (2021). Tensile behaviour of FRCM composites for strengthening of masonry structures—An experimental investigation. Materials14(13), 3626.
[7] De Risi, M. T., Furtado, A., Rodrigues, H., Melo, J., Verderame, G. M., Arêde, A., ... & Manfredi, G. (2022). Influence of textile reinforced mortars strengthening on the in-plane/out-of-plane response of masonry infill walls in RC frames. Engineering Structures254, 113887.
[8] Harajli, M., ElKhatib, H., & San-Jose, J. T. (2010). Static and cyclic out-of-plane response of masonry walls strengthened using textile-mortar system. Journal of materials in civil engineering22(11), 1171-1180.
[9] Bellini, A., Incerti, A., Bovo, M., & Mazzotti, C. (2018). Effectiveness of FRCM reinforcement applied to masonry walls subject to axial force and out-of-plane loads evaluated by experimental and numerical studies. International Journal of Architectural Heritage12(3), 376-394.
[10] Türkmen, Ö. S., Wijte, S. N., De Vries, B. T., & Ingham, J. M. (2021). Out-of-plane behavior of clay brick masonry walls retrofitted with flexible deep mounted CFRP strips. Engineering Structures228, 111448.
[11] Sisti, R., Corradi, M., & Borri, A. (2016). An experimental study on the influence of composite materials used to reinforce masonry ring beams. Construction and Building Materials122, 231-241.
[12] Borri, A., Castori, G., & Grazini, A. (2009). Retrofitting of masonry building with reinforced masonry ring-beam. Construction and Building Materials, 23(5), 1892-1901.
[13] AC 434. (2024). Acceptance Criteria for Masonry and Concrete Strengthening Using Fabric-Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) and Steel Reinforced Grout (SRG) Composite Systems. International Code Council-Evaluation Service (ICC-ES)
[14]  Newmark, N. M., & Hall, W. J. (1982). Earthquake spectra and design. Engineering Monographs on Earthquake Criteria.
[15] Building and Housing Research Center. (2015). Iranian code of practice for seismic resistant design of buildings (Standard No. 2800, 4th ed.). BHRC - PN Z 253. Tehran, Iran.

  • Receive Date 06 August 2025
  • Revise Date 30 August 2025
  • Accept Date 06 September 2025