Numerical Simulation of the Out-of-Plane Performance of Masonry Walls Strengthened with a GFRP Reinforced Mortar

The enhancement of the wall bending resistance is often required in historical masonry buildings especially in upper storeys or in the occurrence of high floors (4- 5 m). An innovative technique is the application, on both sides of the wall, of a GFRP mesh reinforced mortar coating. Experimental tests (four point bending tests) performed on 1x3 m unreinforced and reinforced masonry walls made of solid brick (250 mm thick), rubble stones (400 mm) and cobblestones (400 mm) specimens proved the effectiveness of the technique. Moreover, for the cobblestone masonry, a hybrid technique, which couples the GFRP reinforced mortar coating, on one face, and a stainless steel reinforced repointing on the other, was also investigated. This paper presents the results of a numerical study, carried out utilising a twodimensional nonlinear model so as to comprehend the mechanisms that intervene in the out-of-plane bending behaviour of reinforced masonry walls. The reliability of the numerical simulations was proved by comparisons with experimental results. A numerical parametric study permitted the investigation of the influence of the mechanical characteristics of the employed materials on the cracking and on the ultimate load.