| Two Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) prestressed diaphragm retaining masonry walls have been built on campus at the University of Calgary. These walls were instrumented with a set of sensors for the purpose of monitoring strains under different kind of loads: structural and environmental. A result of a change in landscaping was a reduction in structural loading: hence, the strain due to environmental loads became of most interest.; This thesis presents the results of the first two years of monitoring of the walls. Readings before prestressing, after prestressing, after backfill, and for one year afterward were taken with simple portable equipment. The results of short term sessions of continuous monitoring capturing diurnal strain cycling are presented. A broad discussion of results is given.; The properties of CFRP and masonry have been determined and presented. A test to determine the coefficient of thermal expansion with electric resistance strain gauges has been executed and its procedure and results are described in this thesis. The influence of temperature induced apparent strain affecting the readings from the electric resistance strain gauges used for monitoring the strains in brick and masonry is discussed. Different techniques of apparent strain correction allowing distinguishing between mechanical strain, temperature induced strain, and strain due to swelling/shrinkage effects are shown.; Recommendations for further monitoring of these walls as well as for those who are about to start new masonry monitoring sessions are given. |
