The structural response of unreinforced masonry elements strengthened with
hybrid elastomeric/fiber materials was investigated through material characterization and
flexural experiments. Material characterization tests were performed on various
unreinforced and reinforced elastomeric materials to identify those materials that were
best suited for use as structural retrofits. After material characterization was completed,
the three most promising material systems were selected for further investigation,
including one unreinforced elastomer film and two reinforced elastomer films with fiber
orientations at 0/90° and +/- 45° relative to the major axis of the masonry elements. A
series of four-point bending tests were performed on the selected masonry and epoxy
bonded elastomer/fiber hybrid retrofits to determine the structural response of the
composite systems. The experimental load-deformation response was used, along with
material characterization results, in the development of a semi-empirical model to predict
the static moment capacity of the strengthened masonry system. This model will be used in
the development of reliable design criteria for masonry walls strengthened with these
advanced materials.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:GATECH/oai:smartech.gatech.edu:1853/19836 |
| Date | 28 August 2006 |
| Creators | Parker, Melanie A. |
| Publisher | Georgia Institute of Technology |
| Source Sets | Georgia Tech Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Archive |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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