Prepared Specimens

In this research program six unreinforced masonry walls measuring 8' x 4' were cyclically tested to failure, three in plane and three out of plane. The walls were then prepared as per Edge's specs for masonry walls and then repaired with Fiber-Bond™ epoxy carbon system with the following laminate schedule:
Wall #1: 2 laminates ± 45°;
Wall #2: 2 laminates 0° & 90°; and
Wall #3: 2 laminates 0° & 0°.

OUT-OF-PLANE FLEXURAL TEST

The control walls were cyclically loaded as per ICBO requirements and failure averaged 800 lbs. After the Fiber-Bond™ carbon was applied, the walls were loaded with 3 cycles in each phase in increments of 1000 lbs. Failures ranged from 36 kips to 40 kips. All failures were complete failure of the CMU's. No delamination and no bond or fabric failure was observed in all tests.

Lower connection failure in out-of-plane flexural test.

The three walls were first cyclically loaded as per ICBO requirements and failures averaged 1600 lbs. After repairing with Fiber-Bond™ system they were loaded cyclically, 3 cycles per phase in 1000 lbs increments. The high aspect ratio of the walls created a large moment and uplift at the lower connection to the test fixture and all three walls failed as the anchors pulled from the lower course of CMU's. All failures occurred at approx 9 kips and no delamination, bond or fiber failure was observed.

The three previously tested in plane walls were retested to try and induce a shear failure along a masonry grout line. They were laid flat and 4' of the wall was rigidly anchored to the reaction frame and the load was applied 24" above the anchorage. This reduced the aspect ratio of the tested area to 1:2 and included 2 previously failed grout lines.
All three in-plane pure shear tests were halted at approximately 48 kips due to limitations of the loading ram. No failures were observed except localized crushing of the CMU's.