Reinforcement of brick tile arches with GFRP grids

This paper presents the results of a series of tests carried out on masonry tile arches reinforced with an innovative technique by means of GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics) mesh inserted into an inorganic matrix. The innovative technique here illustrated is the result of historical evolution of an ancient system of reinforcing tiled vaults from ancient Spanish construction tradition. Such technique involves the lamination of flat rectangular tiles or thin bricks into thin vaults known as boveda tabicada. Since the use of modern technologies may improve the mechanical properties of traditional materials, the core of the proposed strengthening system seeks to combine the advantageous compressive strength of masonry units with the excellent tensile properties of composite materials. In detail, it is possible to obtain reinforced masonry arches by overlapping different layers of thin bricks and GFRP laminates, embedded within lime mortar, so that the entire assembly acts as a single structural unit. Eight prototypes of brickwork arches were tested under a monotonic vertical load applied at the keystone. The influence of reinforcement types, number of layers and properties of mortar has been investigated. Laboratory results are presented and discussed in this paper considering the mechanical behavior and the axial stress-strain relationships of the specimens.