Study on Reinforcement of Block Masonry in Steel Buildings with Welded Joints.

The research proposes a method to reinforce and rehabilitate steel structures using the masonry veneer technique with welded wire steel mesh. The reinforcement involves anchoring a welded wire mesh coated with mortar on both sides of the wall. The mesh is connected to the frame system and the upper and lower slabs, enabling a complete transmission of forces. Cyclic lateral load tests were conducted on four different prototypes. The first test was conducted in the linear range on an unfilled frame; the second test involved a frame with an unreinforced infill panel, conducted until moderate damage to the panel was generated. The third test, a system consisting of a steel frame with a reinforced infill panel, without prior damage, was subjected to full damage. Finally, in the fourth test, a system comprising a frame with an infill panel, initially with moderate damage but reinforced using the veneer technique, was subjected to full damage. Hysteresis curves were generated, and maximum resistance, maximum drifts, dissipated energy, and stiffness were determined. Finally, a comparison of the test results revealed that the proposed reinforcement increased the strength by up to three times and the stiffness by up to eight times compared to the original. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]