Intrados FRCM-strengthening of a masonry bridge: Experimental and analytical investigations

This paper will present the results of an experimental campaign aimed to study the structural behavior of solid clay brick masonry arch models strengthened at the intrados with Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM). The arch models’ peculiarities are: i) the presence of the haunching made of hydraulic lime mortar-based conglomerate, and ii) the geometry that reproduces a 1:2 scaled longitudinal section of a typical Italian railway single span bridge. The arch models are tested, imposing loading-unloading cycles to analyze the effectiveness of the strengthening system. The results are expressed in terms of failure mode, load carrying capacity and ductility, which shows the increase in the strength and displacement capacity of the strengthened model. Finally, limit analysis was performed to validate the experimental results and to assess the maximum fiber strain and the corresponding stress at the peak load.