Creep behaviour of reinforced masonry walls by CFRP sheets and structural mortar

An experimental analysis on a set of strengthened masonry walls has been carried out by means of cyclic loading tests in order to simulate the creep effects. Laboratory tests were carried out at the Non-Destructive Testing Laboratory of the Politecnico di Torino: ad hoc brickwork specimens were manufactured and reinforced by FRP and strengthening mortar. The main goal of this experimental work is to demonstrate that in the choice of the masonry reinforcement is important to value not only the increment of the ultimate strength of the material reinforced, but also its response and durability in term of long-term action, called as creep phenomenon.