Annular Post-Compression by FRP inside Mortar Joints and Vertical Post-Compression by Stainless Steel, for Seismic and Wind Retrofitting of Historical Masonry Chimney

Abstract

This paper shows the efficiency of the vertical and annular post-compression for wind and seismic structural behavior improvement of slender masonry chimney. For this aim a case study approach regarding an old masonry chimney is used. The paper shows the safety analysis and the safety improvement obtained applying at the same time a vertical and an annular masonry post-compression. The vertical post-compression is obtained through the post-tensioning of twenty-four vertical stainless-steel thin bars. These bars are connected to the chimney masonry only at the basement and at the top. They are placed inside the central void and horizontally distributed along a circumference near the inside face of the masonry, but without to touch it. The annular post-compression is obtained post-tensioning forty-five annular aramidica “not twisted” cables, placed and glued (after the post-tensioning) inside horizontal mortar joints of the more external masonry brick layer.