The present research project presents an experimental study aimed to investigate the efficiency of utilizing innovative composite materials, based on high strength twisted steel wires embedded in either an epoxy (Steel Reinforced Polymer) or cementitious matrix (Steel Reinforced Grout), to strengthen masonry arches. This strengthening method combines, the performances of this new family of composite materials, reducing installation and material costs, and inducing an increase of ductility particularly when a cementitious matrix is used, to the traditional advantages (very low weight, easiness of application, durability, etc.) proper of Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP). For these reasons the use of these materials could become extremely interesting in the restoration of the historical building, and, more so, of masonry arches, as well as in road, rail, and waterway infrastructures, according to the principles of the most rigorous maintenance of historical patrimony and according to the most effective criterions of use of the modern technologies. In the UK, for instance, there are over 40,000 masonry arch bridges, the majority of which, being at least 100 years old, are in need of repair due to natural deterioration or lack of maintenance, or in need of strengthening due to ever increasing traffic volume and vehicle weight. In response to this situation an experimental study on the behavior of masonry arches strengthened with composite laminates is here presented. The influence of the type of fibers (steel and carbon), matrix (epoxy and cementitious), their location (intrados, extrados, both intrados and extrados) and boundary conditions are investigated in the laboratory on a series of nine specimens of arches built by concrete bricks arranged in a single skin (100 mm of thickness). Preliminary test results are herein presented and discussed.
Experimental analysis of masonry arches strengthened by innovative composite laminates
BORRI, Antonio;CASTORI, GIULIO;
2007
Abstract
The present research project presents an experimental study aimed to investigate the efficiency of utilizing innovative composite materials, based on high strength twisted steel wires embedded in either an epoxy (Steel Reinforced Polymer) or cementitious matrix (Steel Reinforced Grout), to strengthen masonry arches. This strengthening method combines, the performances of this new family of composite materials, reducing installation and material costs, and inducing an increase of ductility particularly when a cementitious matrix is used, to the traditional advantages (very low weight, easiness of application, durability, etc.) proper of Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP). For these reasons the use of these materials could become extremely interesting in the restoration of the historical building, and, more so, of masonry arches, as well as in road, rail, and waterway infrastructures, according to the principles of the most rigorous maintenance of historical patrimony and according to the most effective criterions of use of the modern technologies. In the UK, for instance, there are over 40,000 masonry arch bridges, the majority of which, being at least 100 years old, are in need of repair due to natural deterioration or lack of maintenance, or in need of strengthening due to ever increasing traffic volume and vehicle weight. In response to this situation an experimental study on the behavior of masonry arches strengthened with composite laminates is here presented. The influence of the type of fibers (steel and carbon), matrix (epoxy and cementitious), their location (intrados, extrados, both intrados and extrados) and boundary conditions are investigated in the laboratory on a series of nine specimens of arches built by concrete bricks arranged in a single skin (100 mm of thickness). Preliminary test results are herein presented and discussed.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
