Debonding phenomena in CFRP strengthened calcarenite masonry walls and vaults

Abstract

In this paper the results of an experimental investigation on full-scale reinforced masonry elements like vaults and walls are presented. The masonry type is constituted by calcarenite ashlars and bed joint mortar and the reinforcement is constituted by Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) strips. Preliminary experimental results obtained in a previous research by the authors on the local behaviour at the interface CFRP-calcarenite are summarized. Tests with controlled displacement are carried out on out-of-plane loaded walls and cylindrical vaults loaded at a quarter of the span. Results of tests carried out before and after the application of the reinforcement made it possible to evaluate the enhancement in the performance of the structural elements made of the masonry type considered in this study. Local measurements allowed interpretation of the crosssection behaviour, taking into account failure modes relating to the debonding phenomenon and the compression failure of the masonry material.