New metal connectors developed to improve the shear strength of stone masonry walls

Stone masonry structures are widely used around the world, but they deteriorate easily, due to low shear strength capacity. Many techniques have been developed to increase the shear strength of stone masonry constructions. The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the performance of stone masonry walls strengthened by metal connectors as an alternative shear reinforcement technique. For this purpose, three new metal connector (clamp) types were developed. The shear strength of the walls was improved by applying these clamps to stone masonry walls. Ten stone masonry walls were structurally tested in diagonal compression. Various parameters regarding the in-plane behavior of strengthening stone masonry walls, including shear strength, failure modes, maximum drift, ductility, and shear modulus, were investigated. Experimentally obtained shear strengths were confirmed by empirical equations. The results of the study suggest that the new clamps developed for the study effectively increased the levels of shear strength and ductility of masonry constructions.