What the study found
The study found that full-length injected tie-rods (FIT), a strengthening method for unreinforced masonry walls, improved out-of-plane performance in the walls examined. The main gains were higher out-of-plane capacity and better post-peak stiffness, while initial stiffness changed little.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say FIT is promising because it is feasible and has minimal visual impact on heritage masonry structures. The study suggests the method may offer a practical way to strengthen walls against out-of-plane seismic vulnerability.
What the researchers tested
The researchers studied U-shaped unreinforced masonry walls retrofitted with FIT using validated finite element modeling, parametric analyses, and a design-oriented kinematic approach. They compared two modeling strategies, solid-element and truss-element representations, and also ran dynamic simulations under different excitations.
What worked and what didn't
The finite element models matched published experimental data well, including the wall response and the bond behavior of injected rods. Parametric analyses showed that multiple tie-rods at two heights and larger rod diameters were most effective, although the benefit decreased beyond a certain diameter. Dynamic simulations showed improved drift control and delayed failure, and the modified kinematic method matched finite element predictions with an average error of about 7%.
What to keep in mind
The abstract describes U-shaped unreinforced masonry walls, so the results are specific to that configuration. It also notes that the modified kinematic method for strengthened walls relied only on the front-wall rods because the finite element evidence showed preserved corner integrity and negligible use of transverse-wall rods.
Key points
- FIT strengthening improved out-of-plane capacity and post-peak stiffness in the studied masonry walls.
- Initial stiffness was not markedly changed by the retrofitting.
- Multiple tie-rods at two heights and larger diameters were the most effective configurations, up to a threshold.
- Dynamic simulations showed better drift control and delayed failure across excitations.
- A modified kinematic analysis matched finite element predictions with about 7% average error.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Full-length tie-rods improve out-of-plane masonry wall capacity
- Authors:
- Gokhan Yucel
- Institutions:
- Osmaniye Korkut Ata University
- Publication date:
- 2026-04-05
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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