EUCENTRE

Bed joint reinforcement is a easy solution to improve significantly the structural performance of masonry walls, both for in-plane and out-of-plane response. The experimental tests summarised in the paper show the increment of lateral strength and displacement capacity, as well as energy dissipation, of both horizontally reinforced in-fill panels and masonry bearing walls. The comparison with other reinforcement techniques shows relevant advantages of bed joint reinforcement. Design tools have been developed for bed joint reinforcement made of prefabricated steel trusses and strength criteria are proposed for masonry piers with only horizontal reinforcement