LAUSR

Abstract The performance of unreinforced Masonry (URM) and strengthened masonry panels built with horizontal hollow clay bricks is assessed in this article. The strengthening method consisted of an external mortar overlay reinforced with two different steel ratios of welded wire mesh (WWM), two configurations of transverse connectors, and steel fibers in one of the specimens. The URM and strengthened masonry panels were tested under axial compression, and under monotonic and cyclic diagonal compression. The experimental program includes the tests of 31 specimens: 10 URM specimens, and 21 strengthened specimens. Results evidenced that WWM and transverse connectors enhance the performance of strengthened masonry panels. Measured results also demonstrate that strengthening of URM panels increases compression and shear strength, ductility and energy dissipation capacity. The proposed strengthening layout can be used to retrofit URM houses.