Retrofitting unreinforced masonry

Unreinforced masonry (URM) walls are prone to failure and collapse when subjected to out-of-plane loads caused by earthquake or high wind pressures. This represents one of the main causes of injuries and loss of human lives and property in different parts of the world. Recent catastrophic earthquake events have intensified the need for every country particularly those in seismic prone zone to raise the awareness and take effective measures for strengthening URM including historical heritages. This paper discusses the conventional methods of retrofitting URM and a new technique of strengthening unreinfoced masonry using Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP). It highlights the advantages and disadvantages of each method, including financial considerations. Wherever necessary sketches are also prepared for elaborations. This paper is expected to provide general guidelines to practicing Engineers to assist them in deciding the appropriate alternatives in strengthening unreinforced masonry structures. Key Words: Unreinforced masonry, structural strengthening, Fibre Reinforced Polymer, Earthquake, retrofitting, wind Botswana Journal of Technology Vol.13(2) 2004: 50-5