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Characterization of Cementitious Mortar Reinforced with NFRC for Load-Bearing Masonry

Abstract:

The latest seismic events in Ecuador have allowed to verify some damage typologies on masonry panels of reinforced concrete buildings with frame resistant structures. Therefore, some theoretical and experimental research have been carried out to justify the intervention for repairing the damage to the masonry walls to give them a certain degree of shear ductility to provide for compatibility of the lateral deformations of the structure and of the masonry panels. Some repair and reinforcement systems were analyzed using composite materials FRC with glass and basalt fibers in cementitious matrix (mortar) and then using natural fibers, NFRC. The latter have shown very important characteristics with a noticeable increment of the shear ductility of the masonry panels. The research was initially conducted without proportioning load-bearing capabilities to the masonry, but then it was evident that the cementitious mortar reinforced with short fibers increased its resistance to compression, which is obviously linked to the block or brick typology and the characteristics of the mortar. The aim of this research is to determine the characteristics of the mortar reinforced with natural short fibers which are eco-compatible and low-cost material. The natural fibers are those obtained from the bamboo species Guadua Angustifolia, the same fibers already used in previous experimental research to verify the increase in ductility of the masonry panels subjected to shear forces originated from seismic actions.