Preliminary Numerical Analysis of a Masonry Panel Reinforced with Pultruded GFRP Profiles

Abstract

The peculiarities of pultruded FRP profiles, i.e. low mass, durability and ease of construction, make them suitable for retrofitting traditional masonry structures, particularly in seismic areas. This could represent an effective solution, not yet sufficiently explored, that allows for non-invasive and reversible interventions, which improve the structural performance with a very small structural mass addition. The paper presents a FEM study on a hypothesis of retrofit of a traditional masonry building with pultruded FRP frame, adjacent to the masonry structure and connected to it with mechanical fasteners. The results appear promising and enlighten much increased in-plane strength and stiffness, as well as the change of the masonry failure mode into a more dissipative one.