Masonry Vaults Reinforcement with FRCM-PBO: Conservative and Structural Issues

Historic masonry buildings are complex structures whose behavior is strongly affected by the quality of materials, by traditional constructive techniques and by alterations occurred over centuries. Therefore, it is important to deepen the knowledge of existing buildings in order to identify potential vulnerabilities and to define suitable reinforcing interventions. In order to properly deal with cultural heritage criteria these interventions must satisfy not only the structural requirements but also the conservative issues. In this regard, each retrofitting intervention should be planned according to the specific case, acknowledging all the peculiar features that should lead to the definition of a proper reinforcing solution. Consequently, it is not possible to uncritically apply a generic reinforcing system given by manuals in compliance with standard typologies of traditional architectural elements. In this paper several case studies located in Parma (Italy) will be presented in order to highlight the need of a critical approach based on a deep knowledge of existing buildings. In particular, the given examples are focused on strengthening interventions carried out on vaulted structures. Sometimes composites proved to be one of the most effective reinforcing solutions for these masonry elements, allowing to improve the structural strength without increasing its stiffness. The strengthening intervention, designed according to both structural and conservative issues, definitely proved that a critical awareness is fundamental for a positive contribution of non-traditional techniques – such as composites – applied to traditional masonry structures.