Numerical model of TRM-reinforced masonry walls under lateral in-plane loads

The development of Textile Reinforced Mortar (TRM) has offered new potential for a number of applications in the field of structural strengthening. Its advantages over other strengthening techniques – such as compatibility with substrates, lower costs, better performance at high temperatures and high ductility – make the TRM vital for unreinforced masonry structures which are most vulnerable to seismic loadings. This paper presents a non-linear numerical simulation with a 2D finite element analysis (FEA) of TRM reinforced masonry walls under lateral in-plane loading. Simulations include the modelling of walls with and without openings; walls were modelled through a non-linear shell-layered element; brick masonry wall was modelled as a continuous material using two overlapping layers with different mechanical characteristics. The TRM was defined as a single shell of material for the mortar matrix and the mesh glass fibre applied through two layers that make up the reinforced plaster applied to the two faces of the wall. The increment of the maximum horizontal load and the high increment of ductility of the TRM retrofitted have been observed. Results provide a prediction of the plane’s structural behaviour in order to propose a reinforcement method for masonry structures using a TRM.