Reinforcement of Traditional Wood-Frame Tabique Walls Using Wood-Based Panels

Abstract

In many regions of Portugal wooden-frame walls, known as tabique walls, are commonly found in old buildings. This type of wall is a traditional building element made of raw materials such as earth, wood and stone. These walls are generally used as non-structural elements (partitions) but are also used as structural solutions. Their maintenance in service must be based on the comprehension of their construction system and the materials involved, as well as sustainable reinforcement solutions. This study presents a reinforcement solution based on the application of wood-based panels (MDF and plywood) applied to their faces (sheathing). To assess this solution (reinforced and unreinforced), wall specimens were subjected to in-plane shear testing. The results showed a substantial increase in rigidity, even in cases where the reinforcement takes place after the wall has suffered some damage.