Experimental study on carbon fiber textile reinforced mortar system as a means for confinement of masonry columns

The present paper demonstrates the results of an experimental and analytical research programme on masonry structures confined with Textile Reinforced Mortars (TRMs). A total of 39 small scale masonry columns were subjected to uniaxial compression tests after being strengthened with TRM layers. The variables studied during the experiments were, the number of TRM layers, the cross-section aspect ratio and the corner radii. The purpose of this experimental investigation was to examine the influence of the aforementioned parameters on the performance of confined masonry. In general, the TRM jackets increased substantially both the strength and the ductility of the confined specimens. The results obtained from the current experimental study allowed the development of a simple set of equations, using a linear and a non-linear approach, for the prediction of the strength and the ultimate strain of TRM-confined masonry. The non-linear approach gives a better approximation for the prediction of the compressive strength, and the relevant strain. Further experimental investigation is needed in the future to include more types of fibers, textiles, mortars, and masonry materials.