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.
The paper presents some of the results from a large experimental program undertakenat the Department of Civil Engineering of Damascus University. The project aims to study the ability to reinforce and strengthen the concrete by bars from Epoxy polymer reinforced with glass fibers (GFRP) and compared with reinforce concrete by steel bars in terms of mechanical properties.
