Masonry arches reinforced with CFRP: an experimental and numerical investigation

Abstract

Masonry constructions have received great attention from many researchers both from a theoretical and a practical point of view. This owing to the complex behaviour of the masonry material and the structural modelling problem of real constructions. Furthermore, this type of construction represents most historical and monumental constructions in the world, in terms of historical buildings, masonry arch bridges and monuments. However, these constructions are deteriorating over time after being subjected to a prolonged exposure to unfavourable environmental conditions. It therefore becomes important to plan their strengthening to preserve these cultural heritages. In this paper a numerical and experimental investigation of masonry arches is developed with an analysis of the effects of strengthening by means of advanced composite materials. The focus of the analysis concerns the effects on the strength and stiffness improvement of damaged masonry arches by strengthening with carbon fibre reinforced plastic. An experimental investigation was developed aimed to study the behaviour of damaged solid clay brick masonry arches strengthened with carbon fiber reinforced plastic. In addition, a finite element model of the structure is developed accounting for the effective geometry of the brick-mortar components of the masonry arch and of the reinforcement layer.