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Structural Engineering and Mechanics
  Volume 87, Number 5, September10 2023 , pages 487-498
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12989/sem.2023.87.5.487
 


Shear behaviour of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) masonry walls with and without openings strengthened with welded wire mesh
Wanraplang Warlarpih and Comingstarful Marthong

 
Abstract
    Unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings are extensively adopted in many of the growing nations, particularly in India. Window or door openings are required for architectural or functional reasons, which pose a threat to the building's safety. The past earthquakes have shown that the seismic capability of these structures was very weak. Strengthening these unreinforced masonry walls using welded wire mesh (WWM) is one of the most commonly and economical methods. The present experimental study investigates the impact of openings on the shear behaviour of URM walls and the effectiveness of WWM in enhancing the shear performance of masonry wall. In the experimental program 16 specimens were cast, 8 unstrengthen and 8 strengthened specimens, under 8 unstrengthen and strengthened specimens, every 2 specimens had 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% openings and all these walls were tested under diagonal compression. The results show that the shear carrying capacity reduces as the opening percentage increases. However, strengthening the URM specimens using WWM significantly improves the peak load, shear strength, ductility, stiffness, and energy dissipation. Furthermore, the strengthening of the URM walls using WWM compensated the loss of wall capacity caused by the presence of the openings.
 
Key Words
    Autoclaved Aerated Concrete block; diagonal compression test; shear behaviour; unreinforced masonry walls; welded wire mesh
 
Address
Wanraplang Warlarpih and Comingstarful Marthong: Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Meghalaya, Shillong 793003, India
 

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