Abstract:
Unreinforced masonry (URM) structures are prone to earthquake damage. The presence of a significant number of URM buildings exposes New Zealand to the possibility of substantial human and financial losses in the event of a major earthquake. A URM seismic retrofit research project is being conducted in New Zealand to investigate the effectiveness of fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) materials as a seismic retrofit solution. As part of the project, inplane cyclic shear tests have been performed on an as-built URM wall and on a FRPretrofitted companion wall that has been retrofitted in a manner that enhances only its shear strength. Preliminary results indicate a positive impact of the application of FRP. Further tests are planned on URM walls and assemblages retrofitted with different FRP materials and forms.