Simple method to evaluate FRCM strengthening effects on in-plane shear capacity of masonry walls

Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Mortar (FRCM) strengthening demonstrated to be an efficient way to improve the in-plane shear capacity of masonry walls, in particular for its high compatibility with masonry substrate. Recently, Italian CNR guidelines provided two approaches to design in-plane shear strengthening interventions for masonry with FRCM system, one is very simple and practitioner oriented, but it has clear limitations in its applicability, while the second has a more complex formulation, but it is valid for a wider range of applications. The main aim of this work is to reconciliate the two approaches and to clarify the potential of FRCM systems in masonry strengthening with design charts and manipulations of the more refined available formulations, with the goal to provide a simple method to account for the refined version in a practitioner oriented approach. The focus is on the impact of material properties on the capability of strengthening. A final worked example provides a comprehensive overview of the potential of the proposed method.