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, to the traditional advantages proper of Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP), 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. In this way the use of these materials could become extremely interesting in the restoration of masonry arches in historical building, and more particularly, in road, rail, and waterway infrastructures. 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 a comprehensive study on the behavior of masonry arches strengthened by composite laminates is here presented. The influence of the type of fibers (steel and carbon), matrix (epoxy and cementitious), their location (intrados and extrados) and boundary conditions are investigated in the laboratory on scaled samples.
Strengthening masonry arches with composites
CASTORI, GIULIO
;BORRI, Antonio;
2006
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, to the traditional advantages proper of Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP), 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. In this way the use of these materials could become extremely interesting in the restoration of masonry arches in historical building, and more particularly, in road, rail, and waterway infrastructures. 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 a comprehensive study on the behavior of masonry arches strengthened by composite laminates is here presented. The influence of the type of fibers (steel and carbon), matrix (epoxy and cementitious), their location (intrados and extrados) and boundary conditions are investigated in the laboratory on scaled samples.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
