The present research project investigates the application of innovative composite materials, based on fine steel cords embedded in either an epoxy (Steel Reinforced Polymer) or cementitious matrix (Steel Reinforced Grout), to strengthen masonry arches. This application 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 proper of Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP). For these reasons the use of these materials could become extremely interesting in the restoration of the historical buildings, and, more so, of masonry arches, as well as in road, rail, and waterway infrastructures. In response to this demand a series of nine masonry arches, unreinforced and/or strengthened with different strengthening schemes by FRP and SRP/SRG laminates, were subjected to monotonic vertical loads applied to a quarter of their span. The different strengthening solutions included installing mechanical anchors made of steel angle or flat plates. Experimental results proved the effectiveness of SRP/SRG strengthening both in terms of reducing the horizontal thrust and in increasing the ultimate load capacity of the reinforced arches. The experimental results allowed to better understand the failure mechanism modified by the presence of the strengthening material and to define and calibrate the related analytical models in order to implement them in future edition of existing guidelines on strengthening existing structures using advanced composite materials.
Research on composite strengthening of masonry arches
BORRI, Antonio;CASTORI, GIULIO;
2007
Abstract
The present research project investigates the application of innovative composite materials, based on fine steel cords embedded in either an epoxy (Steel Reinforced Polymer) or cementitious matrix (Steel Reinforced Grout), to strengthen masonry arches. This application 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 proper of Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP). For these reasons the use of these materials could become extremely interesting in the restoration of the historical buildings, and, more so, of masonry arches, as well as in road, rail, and waterway infrastructures. In response to this demand a series of nine masonry arches, unreinforced and/or strengthened with different strengthening schemes by FRP and SRP/SRG laminates, were subjected to monotonic vertical loads applied to a quarter of their span. The different strengthening solutions included installing mechanical anchors made of steel angle or flat plates. Experimental results proved the effectiveness of SRP/SRG strengthening both in terms of reducing the horizontal thrust and in increasing the ultimate load capacity of the reinforced arches. The experimental results allowed to better understand the failure mechanism modified by the presence of the strengthening material and to define and calibrate the related analytical models in order to implement them in future edition of existing guidelines on strengthening existing structures using advanced composite materials.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
