Numerical Modelling of Masonry Barrel Vaults Reinforced with Textile Reinforced Mortars

Abstract

Among masonry buildings characterized by a complex architecture, a significant portion is represented by heritage buildings. A significant seismic vulnerability is due to the presence of thrusting elements like as arches and vaults. Their ultimate capacity can be improved by means of several strengthening techniques. However the advantages of using Textile Reinforced Mortars (TRM) are well highlighted in the scientific literature.The present work focuses on ultimate behaviour of masonry barrel vaults, in the framework of incremental analysis, including the strengthening effect. The analytical model is compared in terms of ultimate capacity and failure mode with a full scale masonry barrel vault dynamically tested. After the first tests, the vault has been strengthened with Textile Reinforced Mortar (TRM) and tested again.