Author

A.V. GHAYEVOY M.Sc. (1) and S.L. LISSEL Ph.D., P.Eng. (2)

(1) Kassian Dyck Associates, 720 4015 Macleod Tr. S.W. Calgary, Alberta, Canada. T2H 2K6

Fax.: (403) 255-6043 / Tel.: (403) 255-6040 / e-mail: agayevoy@ucalgary.ca

(2) Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering Department, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Abstract

Two masonry CFRP prestressed masonry diaphragm retaining walls were built on the campus of the University of Calgary and are also used for research purposes – monitoring of strain variations in masonry and prestressing tendons in response to real mechanical and environmental loads. This research involves investigations into fibre reinforced polymers as prestressing for masonry.

An overview of the monitoring program is followed by a discussion on a short term continuous monitoring program. Since the walls were designed in accordance with real design practice, the straindue to mechanical loadingis hardly distinguishable. The strain variations due to environmental changes therefore dominate the behaviour. Losses in prestress due to temperature variation predicted according to strain compatibility are slightly higher than those monitored in the real structures. This can be explained partially by the tendency of masonry to exhibit a lag in temperature compared to the environment and to be affected by diurnal movement of moisture in and out of the masonry. The methodology of data processing, results and backgrounds for such conclusions are presented in this paper.