Non-linear Behaviour and Collapse of FRP-Reinforced Masonry Arches

A mechanical model, previously developed by the authors by adopting simple kinematic and mechanical hypotheses, enables studying a masonry arch strengthened through the application of strips of fibre-reinforced material (FRP in the following) to the intrados, extrados, or both. The model represents the arch as a non-linear elastic, one-dimensional element, and the resulting equilibrium problem yields a linear differential equation of the free boundary type, a solution to which can be found through a simple, yet effective numerical procedure. The present paper applies the mechanical model and numerical procedure to study the static behaviour of a masonry arch of particular historical and architectural interest - the stage arch of the Goldoni theatre in Livorno (Italy) - thereby evaluating the effectiveness of possible interim consolidation operations based on the application of FRP strips to a portion of the intrados.