Plastic Cement Bags as Retrofit Material for Masonry Buildings

This paper provides an insight to the research program, wherein Plastic Cement Bag Mesh (PCBM) is explored for the retrofitting of masonry. PCBM was obtained using ordinary empty cement bags (made up of plastic), which were modified into the mesh for the purpose of retrofitting. The PCBM was evaluated on the basis of compressive strength, shear strength and retrofitting cost performed on masonry prisms and wallets. The PCBM retrofitting technique was carried out on the previously tested damaged confined masonry building. Retrofitted confined masonry building (CM_RET) and its original counterpart (CM) were compared to evaluate the effectiveness of retrofitting technique. The comparative results in terms of strength, stiffness, ductility, energy dissipation showed excellent enhancement upon retrofitting using PCBM on damaged CM building. It is expected that experimental investigation on retrofitting of masonry and its effectiveness will be useful to practicing engineers to choose suitable material for a seismic resistant and cost-effective effective retrofitting technique.