Behavior of brick masonry vaults strengthened by FRP laminates

The results of experimental research on brick masonry vaults strengthened at their extrados or at their intrados by fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) strips is presented here. The presence of the fibers prevents the typical brittle collapse that occurs in a plain arch because of the formation of four hinges; therefore, depending on the position and amount of the reinforcement in the strengthened vaults, three mechanisms are possible: (1) masonry crushing, (2) detachment of the fibers; and (3) sliding along a mortar joint due to the shear stresses. Some first theoretical approaches describing some of these mechanisms are discussed, and the formulation of further models based on the local interaction among the constituent materials is proposed. Six masonry vaults strengthened by glass FRPs or carbon FRPs have been tested. The results have pointed out the enhancement in strength and ductility of the strengthened vaults and the influence in the ultimate strength of the width of the strips and of the bond between the laminate and the masonry.