Carbon Fiber Cement Matrix (CFCM) Overlay System for Masonry Strengthening

Abstract

A strengthening method for existing buildings and particularly for infill masonry walls with bending loading due to earthquakes is presented. The basic idea of the procedure is the application of additional overlays to the surfaces of the structural members as external reinforcement. The overlays consist of textiles of carbon fabrics, which are embedded in a cement-based matrix. The use of dense fabrics in combination with a cement-based matrix distinguishes these composite overlays. A program of experiments with strengthened concrete beams and masonry walls with bending loading was carried out. A significant enhancement of the load-bearing capacity of the tested members was achieved.