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.