Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) are effective for strengthening masonry walls. Debonding at the polymer–masonry interface is a major concern, requiring further investigation into interface behavior. This study utilizes detailed micro-modeling finite element (FE) analysis to predict failure mechanisms and analyze the behavior of brick masonry walls strengthened with externally bonded carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) under in-plane loading. The research investigates three CFRP strengthening configurations (X, I, and H). The FE model incorporates the nonlinear behavior of brick masonry components using the Concrete Damage Plasticity (CDP) model and uses a cohesive interface approach to model unit–mortar interfaces and the bond joints between masonry and CFRPs. The results demonstrate that diagonal CFRP reinforcement enhances the ductility and capacity of masonry wall systems. The FE model accurately captures the crack propagation, fracture mechanisms, and shear strength of both unreinforced and reinforced walls. The study confirms that the model can reliably predict the structural behavior of these composite systems. Furthermore, the study compares predicted shear strengths with established design equations, highlighting the ACI 440.7R-10 and CNR-DT 200/2013 models as providing the most accurate predictions when compared to experimental results.

This research investigates the historic mortars (Aggregate/Binder (A/B) ratio) of a historical patrimony building, dating from the 15th century, in Algeria, for restoration purposes. It is well known that thorough characterization is essential for successful restoration. To this end, several techniques, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), optical microscope were used to characterize the historic mortars. A mechanical test was used to characterize the compressive strength of a historic mortar. For a comprehensive characterization, A/B ratios were estimated using both Digital Image Analyses (DIA) and chemical analyses. The results obtained provided clear information on the fractions of aggregate and binder. The A/B ratios found of the historic mortars were in line with those found in the literature in historical building. It should be noted that chemical analyses were applied to all mortars, whereas the DIA method was limited to a few mortars (not applicable to earth-based mortars). The results of the A/B ratio for both methods are compared. Nevertheless, the estimation of the A/B ratios of historic mortars using the DIA method alone is insufficient and needs to be strengthened with robust methods such as the chemical one for more accurate and reliable estimation.