Bed joints reinforcement of masonry panels with CFRP bars

In the paper, the main results of an experimental research aimed to characterize the behavior of clay brick masonry panels strengthened by carbon FRP bars under uniaxial compression loads are presented. Twisted sand-coated CFRP bars have been applied in different geometrical configurations (one-side, both-sides) and by using two types of mortars as embedding material (a lime-pozzolana based product and an epoxy resin). Special devices have been adopted for the anchoring of the bars in the short sides of the samples. Test results on plain and strengthened panels allowed to compare the main strength and deformation parameters describing the compression behaviour, the crack pattern and the failure mode.