Autor(es): Eudave, Rafael Ramirez ; Silva, Rui André Martins ; Pereira, Eduardo ; Romanazzi, Antonio
Data: 2022
Identificador Persistente: https://hdl.handle.net/1822/81803
Origem: RepositóriUM - Universidade do Minho
Assunto(s): Rammed earth; Shrinkage; Low-cost textile reinforced mortar; Digital image correlation; Strengthening
The wide dissemination of earth-based structures as contemporary, vernacular or heritage constructions in re-gions with important seismic hazard demands the design of solutions that improve the typical low structural performance resulting from intrinsic material limitations. Only in this way, it is possible to promote a comprehensive seismic protection of this heritage and of the life of their inhabitants. One relevant and innovative solution proposed recently to address this problem consists in the strengthening with low-cost textile meshes embedded in a mortar matrix (LC-TRM). The purpose of this solution is similar to that of fibre reinforced polymers (FRP) systems used in masonry structures, where it works as an externally bonded reinforcement. Nevertheless, LC-TRM is addressed to elements constituted by materials with low mechanical properties, such as rammed earth and adobe. The further development of this strengthening solution demands comprehending with detail the interaction between the substrate and the matrix, where the shrinkage behaviour is relevant for the success of the system. The capacity of non-destructive tests based on digital image correlation (DIC) suggest the possibility of using this technique to monitor mortar shrinkage in LC-TRM strengthened rammed earth walls. On this regard, an experimental program was conducted and provided many important conclusions, among which are that DIC provides an adequate monitoring of the shrinkage behaviour of LC-TRM strengthened systems and that the strengthening mesh is a key element for controlling shrinkage development. Additionally, the interaction between the substrate and the LC-TRM system was characterised by the means of pull-off tests, favouring a discussion on the suitability and limitations of these tests on rammed-earth/LC-TRM systems.
