Development of Lightweight Engineered Cementitious Composites for Multifunctional Seismic Retrofitting on Unreinforced Masonry Structures Using Industry Byproducts

Faculty Development Competitive Research Grant Program 2021-2023

The objective of this project is to develop lightweight engineered cementitious composites (ECC) for multifunctional seismic retrofitting on unreinforced masonry structures using industry byproducts. The proposed composites are targeted to have the following features: high tensile strain hardening rate, lightweight, low thermal conductivity, and high sound absorption ability. With these features, the composites, proposed to be used for retrofitting the unreinforced masonry structures, have potential to improve their seismic resistance, thermal insulation, and sound insulation performance, and thus achieving the multifunctional purpose. Sustainable industry byproducts available in Kazakhstan will be used for developing the composites. The proposed multifunctional retrofit technique is intended to increase the resilience of the masonry structures in resisting earthquakes as well as reducing their energy consumptions, thereby improving overall urban sustainability.