In-situ out-of-plane testing of unreinforced masonry wall segment in Wintec Block F building

Abstract

Most research considering seismic assessment of URM walls has been conducted using laboratory-based studies with well defined but artificial conditions. Thus, in-situ testing is required to provide data with which to validate the accuracy of laboratory-based studies of URM walls. Seismic strengthening of the Wintec Block F building in Hamilton allowed an opportunity for a team of researchers from the University of Auckland to conduct in-situ testing of a wall segment in the building. This allowed comparison with companion experiments that had previously been undertaken in a laboratory setting. This field testing involved the extraction of clay brick and mortar samples, flexural bond tests, and out-of-plane testing of a wall both in the as-built condition and after the installation of a near-surface mounted (NSM) carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) retrofit solution. Testing confirmed that the boundary conditions in real buildings can significantly affect experimental response, and also confirmed that the near-surface mounted FRP solution is an excellent low-invasive option for seismic strengthening of unreinforced masonry buildings. Details of the history of the building and the methods used to undertake the field testing are reported, and experimental results are presented.