Quick Seismic Protection of Weak Masonry Infilling in Filled Framed Structures Using Flexible Joints

This paper deals with research related to repair and strengthening of weak and brittle masonry infills in R.C. or steel frame structures. Masonry infills are commonly used in 20th century architectural heritage residential and office buildings. In case of earthquake damage to the weak and brittle masonry infills the commercial buildings go out of service and residents of residential buildings are prohibited from living in their homes although the main frame structure is not damaged. The new retrofitting method proposed in this paper may be either a preventive seismic improvement or a quick emergency intervention before seismic aftershocks: it is proposed to use a polymer PM to fill new horizontal and vertical joints between infilling masonry and frame or to fill cracks generated by the earthquake. The test results presented in the paper confirmed ability of polymer PM to fulfil requirements of quick repair material for seismic area.