Proceedings of 27th Annual Technological Advances in Science, Medicine and Engineering Conference 2023

Flexible Cementitious Polymers for Strengthening of Masonry Structures Subjected to Impact Loads
T.V. Muthukumarana, P.L.D.C. Liyanage, H.M.C.C. Somarathna, S.N. Raman
Abstract

Cement mortar is a widely utilized construction and binding material in various aspects of the construction industry, particularly in masonry construction. In general, mortar is a brittle material that exhibits robust compressive strength. However, due to its rigid structure, masonry elements have poor tensile and flexural strength. As a result, masonry structures are vulnerable to severe fragmentation under dynamic loading conditions that range from low-velocity impacts to high-impact loadings and high-impulse loads. These loading conditions can contribute to the loss of life and property damage. The majority of current masonry strengthening techniques aren’t capable of providing protection by absorbing energy emitted during dynamic loadings and aren’t accessible and affordable to everyone. In this research, the possibility of using a flexible cementitious polymer coating on the masonry structures to overcome the aforementioned issues is evaluated. Experimental investigations were carried out on variables including three coating thicknesses (2mm, 4mm and 8mm which are 5%, 10% and 20% from the overall thickness of the member) and two coating locations (impact face and rear face). 40×40×160 mm prism specimens were cast using mortar with a mix ratio of 1:5 of cement to sand. After 28 days of curing, specimens were coated using a flexible cementitious polymer with the aforementioned variations. Three-point bending test was conducted to investigate the dynamic behaviour of masonry structures according to ASTM C348 standard with a few modifications to simulate quasi-static and impact loading conditions with cross-head speeds of 1 and 200 mm/min respectively using UTM (Universal Testing Machine) that develop strain rates of 0.00028 s-1 and 0.056 s-1 correspondingly. Six specimens of each variation were tested and the time, displacement, and load histories of each specimen were recorded for further analysis. Using the obtained data, stress-strain, and energy-strain responses were developed. Under dynamic loading condition, it was observed that the maximum cumulative energy absorbed by impact face-coated specimen is observed at 8mm thick coating of an increment of 332.55% compared to the control specimens. But the specimens coated on the rear face exhibited a significant increase in energy absorption value, particularly in the case of specimens with a 4mm thick coating, which demonstrated an 889.83% increment compared to the control specimen. Although specimens with an 8mm thick coating showed a higher energy absorption enhancement of 1240.21%, the associated cost is doubled when transitioning from 4mm to 8mm thickness. Therefore, considering cost as a factor, a 4mm thick coating applied on the rear face yielded the most favourable energy absorption to cost value. Also, under dynamic loading conditions, 4mm thick coating showed a remarkable ultimate strain enhancement of 793.67%. Subsequently, the polymer coating exhibited favourable adhesion characteristics, by remaining bonded to the test specimens during ultimate failure. Even at the minimum coating thickness of 5%, the coating effectively reduced the occurrence of drastic fragmentation effects. Hence, the proposed method was identified as a feasible technique to enhance the dynamic response of masonry structures and 10% thick coating on the rear face was identified as the most favourable arrangement.


Last modified: 2023-06-26
Building: SickKids Hospital / University of Toronto
Room: Engineering Hall
Date: July 2, 2023 - 09:50 AM – 10:05 AM

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