Seismic retrofit of unreinforced CMU
Seismic retrofit of unreinforced CMU
(OP)
I am working on an existing unreinforced masonry building. The building's use is changing form residential to state use. With that the building has to be retrofitted to meet the seismic code. I am considering saw-cutting a vertical slot and inserting one leg of an angle at certain intervals. The angle would be fastened to the CMU with epoxy anchors. Is that a good approach?Thanks!
Eric McDonald, PE
McDonald Structural Engineering, PLLC






RE: Seismic retrofit of unreinforced CMU
Significantly easier to do surface prep and FRP application than to saw cut and install steelwork and anchors.
RE: Seismic retrofit of unreinforced CMU
The overall concept includes a composite fabric being adhered to the CMU with a high-strength epoxy. It is relatively easy and clean with a very unobtrusive finish. I suggest you contact Fyfe Company to discuss.
RE: Seismic retrofit of unreinforced CMU
Second possibility is reinforced shotcrete on one or both faces of the wall.
Third possibility is to drill from the top of the wall down with special machines and grout rods into the resulting cavities. Have not done this myself. Hear it is very popular in California when dealing with older unreinforced masonry building retrofits.