Numerical analysis and experimental comparison on CFRP reinforced masonry walls subjected to transverse loads

The out-of-plane behaviour of walls, unreinforced and reinforced by using CFRP strips, is studied by means of experimental investigation and numerical modelling. The FEM model is based on a linear constitutive law both for the ashlars and the mortar joints constituting the masonry and the lines of potential delamination are taken into account by means of an interface element with bi-linear law, reproducing the opening failure mode. When the reinforcement is introduced, an interface element with bi-linear law is also used, reproducing the sliding failure mode. Comparison between the numerical and experimental results shows the reliability of the modelling. Moreover, a parametric analysis is carried out in order to investigate the influence of the characteristic parameters defining the interface law.