In-Plane Lateral Response of a Full-Scale Masonry Subassemblage with and without an Inorganic Matrix-Grid Strengthening System

A full-scale unreinforced masonry (URM) wall with an opening was tested under in-plane lateral loading. The wall was first subjected to monotonically increasing displacements until a moderate damage level was reached. The damaged specimen was then cyclically tested up to almost the same maximum drift attained during the monotonic test to investigate the effects of previous damage on its nonlinear response. Finally, the masonry wall was repaired with inorganic matrix-grid (IMG) composites and subjected to a cyclic displacement-controlled test up to a near-collapse state. Most of the observed damage developed in the spandrel panel affecting both lateral resistance and strength degradation. Rocking of piers governed lateral stiffness and hysteretic response, which was characterized by low residual displacements and recentering behavior. The comparison between the experimental force-displacement curves demonstrated that the IMG strengthening system was able to provide energy dissipation capacity to the spandrel panel, restoring load-bearing capacity of the as-built wall, and delaying strength degradation that was indeed observed at larger displacements. Bilinear idealizations of force-displacement curves allowed the identification of displacement ductility, global overstrength, and strength reduction factor of the tested wall systems.