Experimental and numerical assessment of optimized hybrid strengthening techniques for unreinforced masonry columns under axial compression

Faculty Engineering Year: 2025
Type of Publication: ZU Hosted Pages:
Authors:
Journal: Structures Elsevier Volume: 81
Keywords : Experimental , numerical assessment , optimized hybrid strengthening    
Abstract:
This study presents a comprehensive experimental and numerical investigation into the axial performance of unreinforced masonry (URM) columns strengthened with various hybrid retrofitting techniques. Thirteen full- scale brick masonry columns were tested under monotonic axial compression to evaluate the effects of strain- hardening cementitious composites (SHCC) jacketing, near-surface mounted (NSM) steel bars, and embedded steel/glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) mesh. The experimental program examined load–displacement behavior, failure modes, ultimate capacity, ductility, and energy absorption. Results demonstrated that hybrid strengthening combining NSM bars and mesh-reinforced SHCC jacketing achieved up to 70 % increase in load capacity and double the energy absorption compared to the unstrengthened reference. A validated finite element model, developed in ABAQUS using cohesive damage and embedded interaction approaches, accurately replicated the experimental response, with an average experimental-to-numerical load ratio of 0.95 and displacement ratio of 0.90. Parametric studies showed that increasing longitudinal reinforcement ratio in hybrid systems enhanced axial capacity by up to 39 %, while increasing transverse mesh ratio improved strength by 25 % before plateauing. These findings highlight the synergistic role of axial and transverse reinforcement in improving strength and ductility and offer a reliable modeling framework for optimizing retrofit designs of URM columns in seismic and structural upgrade applications.
   
     
 
       

Author Related Publications

  • Mohammed Reda Ali Elewa, "Flexural response and load capacity of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with reinforced mortar layer", Elsevier, 2021 More
  • Mohammed Reda Ali Elewa, "Experimental and theoretical study on the compressive strength of the high strength concrete incorporating steel fiber and metakaolin", Elsevier, 2021 More
  • Mohammed Reda Ali Elewa, "Behavior of ECC columns confined using steel wire mesh under axial loading", Elsevier, 2021 More
  • Mohammed Reda Ali Elewa, "Effect of Cement Alternative on the Mechanical Properties of Self Compacting Concrete Using Variable Aggregate Types", Faculty of Engineering - Zagazig University, 2011 More
  • Mohammed Reda Ali Elewa, "Effect of sustained loading and environmental conditions on the creep behavior of an epoxy adhesive for concrete structures strengthened with CFRP laminates", elsevier, 2017 More

Department Related Publications

  • Eshak Ibrahiem Eshak Hana, "Dynamic Effect of Trains on Multispan Railway Bridges", لايوجد, 1900 More
  • Eshak Ibrahiem Eshak Hana, "Dynamic Effect of Trains on Multispan Railway Bridges", 9th International Colloquium on Structural and Geotechnical Engineering, Ain Shams Univ., Cairo, Egypt, 10-12 April 2001., 2001 More
  • Eshak Ibrahiem Eshak Hana, "A Robust Nonlinear Mathematical Programming Model for Design of Laterally Loaded Orthotropic Steel Plates", Structural Engineering and Mechanics, Vol.14, No.2 (2002) 223-236, Techno-Press, Korea., 2002 More
  • Eshak Ibrahiem Eshak Hana, "Effect of Temperature Variation on Bridges due to Locking of Movable Bearings and Expansion Joints", 1st Eng. Conference, Engineering Between Theory and Practice, Assuit Univ., Faculty of Eng., Egypt, 7-8 May 2007., 2007 More
  • Eshak Ibrahiem Eshak Hana, "Effect of Partial Fixity of Bearings on the Structural Behaviour of Bridges", The 13th International Conference on Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering computing, Greece, 6-9 Sept. 2011., 2011 More
Tweet