Characterization of a Compatible Low Cost Strengthening Solution Based on the TRM Technique for Rammed Earth

Abstract:

Rammed earth constructions are widely found worldwide, but they are endangered by their recognised high seismic vulnerability. As compatible and affordable reinforcement approaches are important requirements for these constructions, a strengthening solution based on low cost textile reinforced mortars (LC-TRM) is proposed here, within the framework of a large research project. This paper presents the results of an experimental program aimed at characterising low cost meshes available in the market (glass fibre, plastic, metallic and nylon) and at assessing possible mortars (unstabilised earth, stabilised earth, commercial earth and cement-based) capable of integrating the LC-TRM strengthening system. In general, the results obtained seem to indicate that the glass fibre meshes and the earth mortar are good options.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volume 747)
• Pages: 150-157
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.747.150
• Online since: July 2017
• Authors: Daniel V. Oliveira*, Rui A. Silva, Cristina Barroso, Paulo B. Lourenço
• Keywords: Experimental Characterisation, Rammed Earth, Strengthening, Textile Reinforced Mortar (TRM)

References

[1] H. Houben, H. Guillaud H., Earth Construction: A Comprehensive Guide, third ed., CRATerre - EAG Intermediate Technology Publication, London, (2008).

[2] P. A. Jaquin, C.E. Augarde, C.M. Gerrard, Chronological description of the spatial development of rammed earth techniques, International Journal of Architectural Heritage 2. 4 (2008) 377-400.

DOI: 10.1080/15583050801958826

[3] G. Minke, Building with earth, design and technology of a sustainable architecture, Birkhäuser - Publishers for Architecture, Basel- Berlin-Boston, (2006).

[4] M. Correia, Rammed earth in Alentejo, Argumentum, Lisbon, (2007).

[5] L. Lacouture, C. Bernal, J. Ortiz, D. Valencia, Studies on seismic vulnerability, rehabilitation and strengthening of adobe and rammed earth houses, Apuntes 20. 2 (2007) 286-303. (in Spanish).

[6] D.V. Oliveira, R.A. Silva, P.B. Lourenço, L. Schueremans, Rammed earth constructions and the earthquakes, In proc. of Congresso Nacional de Sismologia e Engenharia - SÍSMICA 2010, Aveiro, 2010 (in Portuguese).

[7] O. Domínguez, Preservation and repair of rammed earth constructions, MSc. thesis, University of Minho, Guimarães, (2015).

[8] B. Ghiassi, D.V. Oliveira, V. Marques, E. Soares, H. Maljaee, Multi-level characterization of steel reinforced mortars for strengthening of masonry structures, Materials & Design 110 (2016) 903-913.

DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2016.08.034

[9] C.G. Papanicolaou, T.C. Triantafillou, M. Papathanasiou, K. Karlos, Textile reinforced mortar (TRM) versus FRP as strengthening material of URM walls: out-of-plane cyclic loading, Materials and Structures 41. 1 (2008) 143-157.

DOI: 10.1617/s11527-007-9226-0

[10] A. Figueiredo, H. Varum, A. Costa, D. Silveira, C. Oliveira, Seismic retrofitting solution of an adobe masonry wall. Materials and Structures 46. 1 (2013), 203-219.

DOI: 10.1617/s11527-012-9895-1

[11] ASTM D6637-11, Standard Test Method for Determining Tensile Properties of Geogrids by the Single or Multi-Rib Tensile Method. ASTM International, West Conshohocken, (2011).

DOI: 10.1520/d6637_d6637m-15

[12] R.A. Silva, D.V. Oliveira, L. Schueremans, T. Miranda, J. Machado, Effectiveness of the repair of unstabilised rammed earth with injection of mud grouts, Construction and Building Materials 127 (2016) 861-871.

DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.10.064

[13] U. Röhlen, C. Ziegert, (2011). Earth Building Practice. Planning, Design, Building, first ed, Beuth Verlag, Berlim, (2011).

[14] J.L. Almeida, Traditional and industrial mortars for masonry of buildings, MSc. thesis, University of Porto, Porto, 2010. (in Portuguese).

[15] EN 1015-3, Methods of test for mortar for masonry - Part 3: Determination of consistence of fresh mortar (by flow table). European Committee for Standardization, Brussels, (2004).

DOI: 10.3403/01541440

[16] M.I. Gomes, Conservation of rammed earth construction: repairing mortars, PhD thesis, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, 2013. (in Portuguese).

[17] P. Walker, HB 195: The Australian earth building handbook, Australia: Standards Australia Internacional Ltd, Sydney, (2001).

[18] EN 1015-11: Methods of test for mortar for masonry - Part 11: Determinations of flexural and compressive strength of hardened mortar. European Committee for Standardization, Brussels, (1999).

DOI: 10.3403/01905442

[19] M. R Valluzzi et al., Round robin test for composite-to-brick shear bond characterization, Materials and Structures 45. 12 (2012) 1761-1791.