Guide for the Design and Construction of Externally Bonded Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Systems for Strengthening Unreinforced Masonry Structures

Published by	Publication Date	Number of Pages
ACI	04/01/2010	50

Category: ACI

Description

ACI 440.7R – Guide for the Design and Construction of Externally Bonded Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Systems for Strengthening Unreinforced Masonry Structures

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) systems are an option to consider for strengthening unreinforced masonry (URM) structures. Traditional strengthening systems include external steel plates, reinforced concrete (RC) overlays, span shortening with steel subframing or bracing, and internal steel reinforcement. Relative to traditional systems, features of FRP systems include high tensile strength, light weight, ease of construction, and resistance to corrosion. This guide offers general information on FRP systems use, a description of their unique material properties, and recommendations for the design, construction, and inspection of FRP systems for strengthening URM structures. These guidelines are based on knowledge gained from a comprehensive review of experimental and analytical investigations and field applications.