The
failure of masonry buildings due to earthquakes is because of its low tensile
and shear resistance. To improve
the strength and enhance the seismic
performance of masonry structures, retrofitting using fiber reinforced polymer
(FRP)
composites is explored in this study. Characterization of materials and
finite element analysis (FEA) are carried out. Homogeneous macromodeling using
the smeared crack concrete model is adopted for the analysis of load
bearing brick masonry walls under inplane loading. The resistance of the masonry walls
is studied for a shear specimen with an aspect ratio (length/height) of one and
a flexure specimen with an aspect ratio of two. Effects of different
strengthening techniques like X-bracing, full-surface-bonding, and
two-end-strap coating using FRP composites are studied using the developed
model based on the failure pattern of control specimens. Parametric studies are
also carried out to study the effect of vertical compression, and the results
are discussed. It is concluded that the effectiveness of FRP in increasing the
lateral strength of masonry is based on the compressive strength of masonry.