Bruno Calderoni1, Emilia A. Cordasco1, and Gaetana Pacella1
1) University of Naples “Federico II”, Department of Structures for Engineering and Architecture,
Naples, Italy
e-mail: calderon@unina.it, emiliaangela.cordasco@unina.it; gaetana.pacella@unina.it
Keywords: Experimental tests, Reinforced spandrels, FRP stripes, Strut mechanism.
Abstract. In the past, the authors have carried out many experimental tests scaled-down both on spandrels (rectangular specimens), characterized by different slenderness and arrangement, and on portions of wall (H-specimens), using ordinary masonry and homogeneous material. The results obtained had shown in many cases brittle failures that affect substantially the effectiveness of the structural element. Therefore a new experimental campaign was carried out on H-specimens (on 1:10 scale) made of homogeneous material and reinforced with FRP stripes in order to verify the possibility of avoiding the brittle diagonal failure, allowing the activation of the more favorable strut mechanism, with toe-crushing of the ends, which is associated with a ductile behavior of the spandrel. For this purpose, several specimens characterized by different slenderness, made of mortar (of lime and cement) in order to simulate a homogeneous material characterized by low tensile strength, were built. These panels were then reinforced with FRP stripes, adopting different types of configurations (horizontal or diagonal).