Analysis of The results for one of the most important
experimental tests on masonry arches strengthened at their
extrados or at their intrados by fiber reinforced polymer
(FRP)strips;shows that the presence of the fibers prevents the
brittle coll
apse that occur in plain arch because of formation of
four hinges, therefore (depending on position and amount of
reinforcement) in strengthened arches, there are three possible
mechanisms : 1- masonry crushing , 2- detachment of fibers, and
3- sliding along a mortar joint due to the shear stresses. Some
analytical approaches describing these mechanisms are discussed
and a comparison between the theoretical values that give and
the experimental results was performed to show the agreements ,
according to analytical study of the experimental results
strengthening by fibers enhances the strength and ductility of
strengthened arches, the width of strips and the bond between
them and masonry are so important to perform optimum
strengthening.
It is well known that arch is a main part of the historical structures. Therefore, many techniques are used to strengthen these arches. In this paper, Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) is used to reinforce the arch under vertical loads. Materially Non-L
inear Analysis (MNLA) is performed to demonstrate the behavior of the arch with and without the FRP.
On the other hand, the effect of FRP lamina thickness and length is undertaken in this research. This paper shows that a small amount of the FRP to some local areas can enhance the ultimate strength of the arch significantly.
