Strengthening of masonry columns with precast ECC system

Abstract

This study deals with the strengthening of rectangular masonry columns with precast Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) system to enhance the axial compressive strength of columns. Masonry columns of 230x230 mm crosssection (bxd) and 700 mm height were cast using locally available burnt clay bricks. These rectangular masonry columns were strengthened with precast ECC sheets. In this method, precast ECC sheets bonded to the rectangular columns without making round edge with proper utilization of strength of the confinement materials. The size of precast ECC sheets depending upon the strength required of the column. In this study, ECC sheets of thickness 25 mm, 35 mm, and 40 mm were used for strengthening of masonry columns. These strengthened and unstrengthened masonry columns were tested for under pure axial compressive load through Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The compressive strength of strengthened masonry columns is increased significantly with precast ECC sheets. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of ECC precast system for strengthening of rectangular masonry columns without making round edge with proper utilizations of the confinement. Moreover, design equations for strengthening of rectangular masonry columns with precast ECC sheets were derived. The design equations were derived based on experimental results. These newly developed design equations would be useful for rehabilitation and strengthening of old/deficient masonry columns