Wednesday 19 March 2025
A recent study has shed new light on the behavior of ancient masonry barrel vaults, strengthening techniques and their connections to abutments. The research focused on the cyclic behavior of these structures under horizontal loads, a crucial aspect in earthquake-prone regions.
Masonry barrel vaults are a common feature in many historic buildings, particularly those in Mediterranean countries. These structures have withstood the test of time, but they can be vulnerable to damage or collapse during earthquakes. Strengthening techniques, such as the application of fiber-reinforced mortar coatings, have shown promise in improving their seismic resilience.
The study employed a combination of experimental testing and numerical modeling to investigate the behavior of masonry barrel vaults reinforced with composite materials. The researchers tested several samples under cyclic horizontal loads, simulating the effects of earthquakes. They also examined the connections between the vaults and their abutments, as these can play a crucial role in determining the overall structural integrity.
The results showed that the application of fiber-reinforced mortar coatings significantly improved the seismic performance of the masonry barrel vaults. The reinforced samples exhibited higher resistance to horizontal loads and greater ductility than the unreinforced ones. This means they were able to absorb more energy before collapsing, making them less prone to damage during earthquakes.
The connections between the vaults and their abutments also proved to be a critical factor in determining the structures’ behavior. The researchers found that the use of stainless steel bars embedded in the mortar coating at the abutments helped to prevent uplift and sliding at the skewback sections, which can lead to premature collapse.
The study’s findings have important implications for the preservation and strengthening of historic masonry buildings. By understanding how these structures behave under cyclic loads, engineers and architects can develop more effective retrofitting strategies that take into account the connections between the vaults and their abutments.
In addition, the research highlights the potential benefits of using composite materials in seismic retrofitting projects. Fiber-reinforced mortar coatings have shown promise as a strengthening technique, but further studies are needed to fully understand their effects on masonry structures.
The study’s authors emphasize that a comprehensive approach is necessary for ensuring the seismic safety of historic masonry buildings. This includes not only strengthening techniques but also careful analysis of the connections between the vaults and their abutments.
Cite this article: “Strengthening Ancient Masonry Structures: Research Reveals Secrets to Seismic Resilience”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Masonry, Barrel Vaults, Strengthening Techniques, Seismic Resilience, Fiber-Reinforced Mortar, Composite Materials, Cyclic Behavior, Horizontal Loads, Earthquake-Prone Regions, Historic Buildings.
