Experimental Flexural Behavior of a Panelized Reinforced Brick Veneer with FRP Reinforcing on Steel Stud Wall Systems

This article presents a multihazard-resistant panelized brick veneer with steel stud backup (PBVSS) system capable of being developed off-site with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) enhancements. This study is a continuation of two previous studies of PBVSS systems developed at Pennsylvania State University in the Building Components and Envelopes Research Laboratory (BCERL). The specimens used in this study include one control specimen. Two types of composites were used, glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) and spray polyurea, with three composite configurations. Experimental data obtained from a uniformly applied pressure through an air bladder with expected boundary conditions were collected. The measured test data provided a basis for evaluating the performance and capacity of the PBVSS, particularly the veneer portion. A comparison of specimen test results shows that the FRP enhancements on the interior side of brick veneer provide additional veneer capacity. Beyond the performance of the veneer, the study shows that it is indeed possible to reinforce the interior side of a brick veneer surface if it is constructed in panelized segments in a factory setting.