Strengthening of Masonry Structures Using FRP — Experimental Research

Abstract

The article deals with the problems of the failure mechanism and the load-bearing capacity of masonry barrel vault structures and masonry columns strengthened with fabric of carbon fibres. The executed experimental research of the effect of strengthening segmental barrel vaults and masonry columns by carbon fabric showed a prominent growth in the ultimate bearing capacity and ductility of barrel vault structures and masonry columns. The application of carbon fabric (CFRP) in the vault area exposed to tensile stresses limited not only the appearance and development of characteristic tensile cracks at these vault cross-sections, but also significantly increased the vault stability against buckling. The position of strengthening elements — the carbon fabric (CFRP) — affected the failure mechanism of the masonry vaults and masonry columns.