Masonry Parapets Strengthened with Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP)

Reinforced Polymer (FRP) products offer a cost-effective system to strengthen masonry parapets.

• Increases out-of-plane flexural strength
• Increases in-plane shear strength
• Confines masonry units, resulting in monolithic action of all units
• Prevents secondary damage from falling debris
• Works as a waterproofing material
• Adds very little weight to the wall
• Increases wall thickness by less than ¼-in. (5 mm)
• Costs less than conventional methods

The effectiveness of this technique has been documented through tests of URM wall panels.

Case Study

The parapets around all four sides of this building were reinforced with carbon fabric.

As shown here, the installation of QuakeWrap® can be easily accomplished from the roof, with minimal equipment and tools.

Here, a section of the parapets has been prepared by applying a thin layer of Tack Coat. The crew is carefully installing a 3-ft wide layer of the carbon fabric that has been saturated with the saturating resin.

As shown in this close-up view, the finished surface is very smooth.

Furthermore, if required, anchors can be placed beneath QuakeWrap® fabrics during construction.

Credits