In-Plane Static Cyclic Response of Solid Brick Masonry Walls Repaired and Retrofitted with TRM

Document Type : Regular Paper

Authors

Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University

10.22075/jrce.2025.2309

Abstract

This study demonstrates that Textile-Reinforced Mortar (TRM) systems offer a practical, cost-effective, and sustainable solution for improving the seismic safety of unreinforced masonry (URM) walls, both for post-earthquake repair and preventive retrofitting. TRM significantly enhances load-bearing capacity, ductility, and energy dissipation, addressing the urgent need for resilient and compatible strengthening techniques in earthquake-prone areas.
Experimental results reveal that TRM reinforcement increases in-plane load-bearing capacity by 180% in repaired walls and up to 230% in retrofitted walls compared to unreinforced specimens. Displacement capacity under cyclic loading improves by 35% for repaired and 20% for retrofitted walls, while ductility, shear strength, and energy dissipation improve by factors of up to 5.0, 4.8, and 1.1, respectively. Digital image correlation (DIC) and finite element modeling confirm a shift in failure mode from shear to flexure-dominated mechanisms, resulting in more uniform crack distribution and reduced local damage concentration. Comparison with theoretical models such as ACI 549.4R-20 and Eurocode 8 validates the reliability of the methods used.
These findings provide engineers and practitioners with a robust, evidence-based framework to select and design TRM interventions that enhance the seismic resilience of both existing and new masonry structures, especially in high seismic risk regions.

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History

  • Receive Date: 09 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 20 August 2025
  • Accept Date: 23 December 2025

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