In-plane behavior of cracked masonry walls repaired with titanium rods

High-performance materials are being widely researched for repair and rehabilitation of historic masonry structures, especially in seismic prone areas. In such context the use of titanium bars, as a Near Surface Mounted (NSM) repair method of cracked brickwork wall panels, has been investigated in this paper. The potential benefits, liabilities, and architectural considerations regarding the use of titanium alloys for reinforcing and repairing historic masonry walls are discussed with an emphasis on in-plane behaviour, under lateral (shear) loading. Test programs are described and results from laboratory testing are included. It is demonstrated that it is possible to repair brickwork panels using titanium bars embedded into the panel’s cracks using an epoxy paste. Cracked brickwork masonry panels were stabilised by bonding titanium rods into the horizontal bed joints. On opposite, the use of a cement mortar for bar application resulted in unsatisfactory test results.