Multiscale Numerical Analysis of TRM-Reinforced Masonry under Diagonal Compression Tests

• Published in: Buildings (Basel) Vol. 10; no. 11; p. 196
• Main Authors: Gulinelli, Pietro, Aprile, Alessandra, Rizzoni, Raffaella, Grunevald, Yves-Henri, Lebon, Frédéric
• Format: Journal Article Magazine Article
• Language: English
• Published: Stamats Communications, Inc 01-11-2020; MDPI AG
• Subjects: cohesive law; diagonal compression test; interface transmission conditions; Mechanics; numerical analysis; Physics; Solid mechanics; strengthening masonry; cohesive law; interface transmission conditions; diagonal compression test; strengthening masonry; numerical analysis
• ISSN: 2075-5309; 0007-3725; 2075-5309
• DOI: 10.3390/buildings10110196

The present paper reports an experimental study coupled with a numerical modelling approach to simulate masonry walls strengthened with textile-reinforced mortar (TRM). This innovative reinforcing technique is based on high-strength fibre grids embedded into inorganic matrices, and it has recently been promoted for the seismic retrofitting of historical masonry buildings. In the experimental campaign presented here, two different commercial TRM systems are applied to single-leaf clay masonry panels. The specimens are then subjected to diagonal compression tests in order to evaluate the effects of TRM on the structural performance. The proposed finite element (FE) model, based on an original multiscale approach, is employed to simulate the diagonal compression tests. The numerical results show a very good agreement with the experimental data, including in terms of failure mode. In particular, the approach reproduces the macroscopic behaviour of the masonry panels as regards the force-displacement response, and it allows for the possibility of simulating bed joint sliding and TRM layer debonding.