Structural Repair/Retrofit of Brick Masonry Walls

Abstract

The various methods presently available for the repair of brick masonry walls are reviewed. Particular attention is given to structural repair made necessary as the result of earthquake induced damage or retrofit measures to be applied to an existing masonry structure to increase seismic resistance. Among the techniques discussed are: crack injection with epoxy or resin, crack or void injection with a cement based grout, surface coating methods, base isolation, repointing or limited replacement of damaged elements and installation of steel reinforcing elements. Use of nondestructive evaluation methods to determine the initial damaged state and the condition of the repaired masonry wall will also be presented.