Finite Element Model of a Brick Masonry Four-Sided Cloister Vault Reinforced with FRPs

摘要

A three-dimensional non-linear finite element model of a four-sided cloister vault reinforced with FRPs has been developed. The numerical results have been calibrated on available experimental tests. The performed tests have demonstrated that the FRP placement can increase the vault strength up to three times the case without any reinforcement. Comparisons made with F.E. model have allowed the collapse mechanisms occurred during the tests and the optimal FRP reinforcement position to be identified. On the basis of experimental tests and numerical analyses, a global ductility index for brick masonry cloister vaults reinforced with FRPs has been formulated by computing the maximum dissipated work on the elastic-perfectly plastic F.E. model.