Crack pattern analysis of masonry walls reinforced with FRCMs and TRMs containing commercial, recycled and natural material fibers or grids under a mass impact

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of FRCM and TRM systems containing commercial (polypropylene or steel), recycled (rPET or rPP), or natural (sisal) materials in reinforcing masonry walls. This objective was pursued by subjecting eight masonry wall specimens, reinforced on both faces with FRCM or TRM, to dynamic impact tests. The crack damage pattern produced by each impact on the external surfaces of each wall was analyzed. Unlike the impact tests found in the literature, this paper considered a method with an inclined plane, where an impacting mass was allowed to slide by gravity. The full mechanical characterization of the fiber-reinforced mortars was performed, and the crack patterns of each wall with different types of reinforcement were compared. In addition, the number of impacts and the cracking pattern of each reinforced masonry wall was analyzed for more severe damage levels. The results showed that applying FRCM or TRM systems with recycled or natural materials on masonry walls helps to restrain cracks opening and thus to improve impact energy dissipation.