Experimental investigation on polymeric net-RCM reinforced masonry panels

Plasters reinforced with polymeric nets as strengthening technique for masonry structures subjected to seismic actions can be an effective and inexpensive alternative to the currently utilized techniques. In this study the results of experimental tests performed on masonry panels reinforced with polymeric nets embedded in the plaster layer are presented. The masonry panels have been subjected to cyclic load tests for analyzing their behavior and for defining their mechanical parameters to use in design and in particular in the evaluation of their seismic capacity. Diagonal compression tests, shear-compression tests and tests with the load applied orthogonally to the panels plane have been performed. The obtained results evidence the effectiveness of the polymeric net in containing the in plane and the out-of-plane collapse mechanisms and in increasing the ductility and the dissipative capacity of the masonry panels.